Patent Description:
Tires having circumferential treads with tread elements, such as grooves, lugs, blocks, or ribs, are known in the art. Such tread elements include planar surfaces, curved surfaces, sipes, thin slits, or other tread features to improve traction. Some existing tires have treads with features for improving snow performance, such as studs, deeper tread depth, and biting edges.

According to its abstract, <CIT> describes that in a pneumatic tire, a tread part is partitioned by four main grooves into a center land part, an outer intermediate land part, an inner intermediate land part, an outer shoulder land part, and an inner shoulder land part. The center land part is formed with center lug grooves in which the installation outer side is narrower than the installation inner side. The outer intermediate land part is wider than the inner intermediate land part, and the outer shoulder land part is wider than the inner shoulder land part. In the outer intermediate land part, outer intermediate first lug grooves and outer intermediate second lug grooves are arranged in the tire circumferential direction so as to alternate with each other, the outer intermediate first lug grooves communicating with the main grooves on both sides, and the outer intermediate second lug grooves communicating only with the main groove on the outside in the tire width direction. In the inner intermediate land part, inner intermediate first lug grooves and inner intermediate second lug grooves are arranged in the tire circumferential direction so as to alternate with each other, the inner intermediate first lug grooves communicating with the main grooves on both sides, and the inner intermediate second lug groove communicating only with the main groove on the inside in the tire width direction.

According to its title, <CIT> describes improvements in or relating to tyres for the driving wheels of agricultural tractors and like vehicles.

According to its title and abstract, <CIT>describes a tread profile for a vehicle pneumatic tire. Parallel ribs, formed around the entire circumference of the tire shoulder, pass through the row of profile blocks disposed around the tire shoulder. The profile blocks are spaced apart from each other by intersecting transverse grooves. Preferably, the ribs cross through the shortest connection between adjacent profile blocks.

According to a machine translation of its abstract, <CIT> describes a tie bar for connecting blocks adjoining in the circumferential direction that is provided with more than one recessed grooves that extend in the tie bar length direction on an upper surface, so that a plurality of rib-like projections parted by the recessed grooves are provided at least on an upper part of the tie bar. For the tie bar, tie bar width as distance on a side wall surface along a lateral groove width center line between lower end edges is set to be <NUM>-<NUM> times of lateral groove width of a lateral groove, and projection width on the upper surface of the rib-like projection along the lateral groove width center line is set to be <NUM>-<NUM> of the tie bar width.

Aspects of the present invention are defined by appended independent claim <NUM>.

Described herein is a tire that includes a circumferential tread circumscribing an axis of rotation. The circumferential tread includes at least a first circumferential groove and a second circumferential groove. The tires has a transverse groove disposed between the first circumferential groove and the second circumferential groove. A depth of the transverse groove is defined between an outer surface of the circumferential tread and a bottom portion of the transverse groove in a radial direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation. A first depth of the transverse groove at a first end of the transverse groove is greater than a second depth of the transverse groove at a second end of the transverse groove. The tire includes a plurality of protrusions protruding from the bottom portion of the transverse groove.

Also described herein is a tire that includes a circumferential tread including at least one rib extending in a circumferential direction circumscribing an axis of rotation. The rib includes a transverse groove. A depth of the transverse groove is defined between an outer surface of the rib and a bottom portion of the transverse groove in a radial direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation. The depth of the transverse groove decreases in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation. The tire includes a plurality of protrusions protruding from the bottom portion of the transverse groove.

Also described herein is a tire that includes a circumferential tread circumscribing an axis of rotation. The circumferential tread includes a transverse groove extending in a predetermined direction away from a sidewall of the tire toward an equatorial plane of the tire. The transverse groove includes a plurality of protrusions protruding from a bottom portion of the transverse groove. The plurality of protrusions are spaced apart in the circumferential direction.

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

"Circumferential" and "circumferentially" refer to a direction extending along the perimeter of the surface of the tread perpendicular to the axial direction.

"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.

"Lateral" refers to a direction along the tread of the tire going from one sidewall to the other sidewall.

"Radial" or "radially" refer to a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the tire.

"Rib" or "ribs" define the circumferential extending strip or strips of rubber on the tread that is defined by at least one circumferential groove and either a second wide groove or a lateral edge of the tread.

"Sidewall" refers to that portion of the tire between the footprint of the tread and the bead, so the sidewall includes the buttress portion as defined above.

"Tread" refers to that portion of the tire that comes into contact with the road under normal inflation and load.

Directions are stated herein 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" or "top" and "bottom" are used in connection with an element, the "upper" or "top" element is spaced closer to the tread than the "lower" or "bottom" 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.

<FIG> schematically illustrates a side view of a tire <NUM> having a circumferential tread <NUM>. As represented by radial direction "R," the tread <NUM> is formed on an outer circumferential surface of the tire <NUM> and extends in a circumferential direction "C" around a perimeter of the tire <NUM>. <FIG> schematically illustrates a front view of the tire <NUM> showing the tread <NUM> circumscribing the axis of rotation "A" of the tire <NUM> and extending in a lateral direction "L" parallel to the axis of rotation "A" across a width of the tire <NUM> from a first sidewall <NUM> to a second sidewall <NUM>. The tire <NUM> includes one or more circumferential grooves <NUM> at least partially or entirely circumscribing the axis of rotation "A" and spaced across the width in the lateral direction "L. " <FIG> schematically illustrates a perspective view of the tire <NUM>, and <FIG> illustrates an enlarged portion of the tread <NUM>, taken at view <NUM> of <FIG>.

With reference to <FIG>, the tread <NUM> includes a circumferential rib <NUM> defined between a first circumferential groove 110a and a second circumferential groove 110b. The rib <NUM> includes a plurality of transverse grooves <NUM> extending from the first circumferential groove 110a to the second circumferential groove 110b. According to the invention, the transverse grooves <NUM> extend entirely across the rib <NUM>, thereby defining a plurality of tread blocks <NUM> having a tread block surface <NUM>. In some embodiments, some of the transverse grooves <NUM> can extend only partially across the rib <NUM>. For example, one or more transverse grooves <NUM> can extend from one circumferential groove 110a, 110b to an intermediate location of the tread block <NUM> stopping short of the other circumferential groove 110b, 110a. Additionally, one or more transverse grooves <NUM> can extend from a first intermediate location of the tread block <NUM> to a second intermediate location of the tread block <NUM>, stopping short of the circumferential grooves 110a, 110b. Further, the transverse grooves <NUM> can extend at any angle relative to the circumferential grooves 110a, 110b. For some applications, orienting the transverse grooves <NUM> at a non-perpendicular angle relative to the circumferential grooves 110a, 110b provides a pathway to direct water and improve the operability of the tread <NUM> in wet conditions.

The illustrated tire <NUM> is merely exemplary, and is intended to show that tread elements may take a variety of geometric shapes. Other tires may have one or more circumferential grooves and transverse grooves that include one or more ribs, blocks, lugs, or other tread elements. It should be understood that the various embodiments discussed below are not limited to any particular tread pattern or any particular tire, but may instead be employed on any tread element of any tire. For example, while the exemplary rib <NUM> is an intermediate rib, the features discussed herein may be employed on a central rib or shoulder rib in further embodiments.

<FIG> schematically illustrates an alternate perspective view of a portion of the tread <NUM> of the tire <NUM> showing transverse groove <NUM> defined between a first tread block 210a having a first tread block surface 215a and a second tread block 210b having a second tread block surface 215b. The transverse groove <NUM> includes a bottom portion <NUM>, a first side portion <NUM>, and a second side portion <NUM>. The first side portion <NUM> extends from the bottom portion <NUM> to the first surface 215a of the first block 210a, and the second side portion <NUM> extends from the bottom portion <NUM> to the second surface 215b of the second block 210b.

Further, the first side portion <NUM> and the second side portion <NUM> of the transverse groove <NUM> extend from the first circumferential groove 110a across the rib <NUM> to the second circumferential groove 110b. As noted, in some embodiments, the transverse groove <NUM> can extend partially or entirely across the rib <NUM>. Accordingly, either one or both of the first side portion <NUM> and the second side portion <NUM> can extend partially or entirely across the rib <NUM> in other embodiments.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first side portion <NUM> and the second side portion <NUM> are planar walls. In other embodiments, one or both of the first side portion <NUM> and the second side portion <NUM> can be non-planar (e.g., curved) walls or include a combination of planar and non-planar walls. Likewise, the bottom portion <NUM> of the transverse groove <NUM> is illustrated as a planar surface with the understanding that the bottom portion <NUM> can be a non-planar (e.g., curved) surface or include a combination of planar and non-planar surfaces in other embodiments. In the illustrated embodiment, the first side portion <NUM> connects to the bottom portion <NUM> at first corner <NUM>, and the second side portion <NUM> connects to the bottom portion <NUM> at second corner <NUM>. Similarly, the first side portion <NUM> connects to the first surface 215a at first edge <NUM>, and the second side portion <NUM> connects to the second surface 215b at second edge <NUM>. The transverse groove <NUM> has a radially outwardly facing opening <NUM> defined between the first edge <NUM> and the second edge <NUM>.

Although the first corner <NUM>, second corner <NUM>, first edge <NUM>, and second edge <NUM> are illustrated as forming a right angle, the embodiments of the disclosure are not so limited. For example, in other embodiments, one or more of the first corner <NUM>, second corner <NUM>, first edge <NUM>, and second edge <NUM> can form other angles including acute and obtuse angles, and can include a chamfer or a fillet. The first side portion <NUM>, second side portion <NUM>, and bottom portion <NUM> provide the transverse groove <NUM> as a recess with a continuous surface or surfaces extending from the first surface 215a to the second surface 215b.

A depth "d" of the transverse groove <NUM> is defined between the bottom portion <NUM> and the first surface 215a or the second surface 215b. In the illustrated embodiment, a first depth "d1" of the transverse groove <NUM> is greater than a second depth "d2" of the transverse groove <NUM>. For example, the depth "d" of the transverse groove <NUM> can decrease across the rib <NUM> from the first circumferential groove 110a to the second circumferential groove 110b. The depth "d" is illustrated as decreasing linearly (e.g., defined by a linear function) across the rib <NUM> from the first circumferential groove 110a to the second circumferential groove 110b, although the depth "d" can decrease non-linearly (e.g., defined by a non-linear function, stepped) in further embodiments. In the illustrated embodiment, the depth "d" of the transverse groove <NUM> decreases across the rib <NUM> in a direction toward the equatorial plane "E" of the tire <NUM>. In some embodiments, the depth "d" of the transverse groove <NUM> can decrease across the rib <NUM> in a direction away from the equatorial plane "E" of the tire <NUM>.

The transverse groove <NUM> includes a plurality of protrusions <NUM> protruding from the bottom portion <NUM> of the transverse groove <NUM>. The plurality of protrusions <NUM> are spaced apart across the bottom portion <NUM>. The plurality of protrusions <NUM> can be circumferentially or laterally spaced at equal or unequal increments from a first end <NUM> of the transverse groove <NUM> to a second end <NUM> of the transverse groove <NUM>. Additionally, the plurality of protrusions <NUM> extend from the first side portion <NUM> across the transverse groove <NUM> to the second side portion <NUM>.

In some embodiments, one or more of the plurality of protrusions <NUM> can have a constant height or a variable height. For example, in some embodiments a height of one or more of the plurality of protrusions <NUM> can be constant from the first side portion <NUM> across the transverse groove <NUM> to the second side portion <NUM>. Alternatively, in some embodiments a height of one or more of the plurality of protrusions <NUM> can vary from the first side portion <NUM> across the transverse groove <NUM> to the second side portion <NUM>. For example, a ramped protrusion can have a height of zero at the first side portion <NUM>, increasing across the transverse groove <NUM> to a non-zero height at the second side portion <NUM>.

Each of the plurality of protrusions <NUM> can protrude (e.g., extend radially outward) from the bottom portion <NUM> of the transverse groove <NUM> an equal distance. For example a distance along the depth "d" of the transverse groove <NUM> measured from the first surface 215a or the second surface 215b to a radially outermost location of a protrusion <NUM> at the first end <NUM> of the transverse groove <NUM> can be greater than a corresponding distance along the depth "d" of the transverse groove <NUM> measured from the first surface 215a or the second surface 215b to a radially outermost location of a protrusion <NUM> at the second end <NUM> of the transverse groove <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a plan view of the transverse groove <NUM> of <FIG>. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the plurality of protrusions <NUM> extends parallel to the lateral direction "L" from the first side portion <NUM> across the transverse groove <NUM> to the second side portion <NUM>. In other embodiments, each of the plurality of protrusions <NUM> can extend from the first side portion <NUM> across the transverse groove <NUM> to the second side portion <NUM> at an angle that is not parallel to the lateral direction "L. " For example, each of the plurality of protrusions <NUM> can extend from the first side portion <NUM> across the transverse groove <NUM> to the second side portion <NUM> at an angle that is neither parallel to the lateral direction "L" nor perpendicular to the lateral direction "L. " Moreover, all of the protrusions <NUM> can extend at the same angle relative to the lateral direction "L," as shown, or at different angles relative to the lateral direction "L. " The plurality of protrusions <NUM> can be provided as machined, molded, printed, chemically etched, cast, laser engraved or laser ablated features. For example, in some embodiments, a tire curing mold (not shown) can be machined to include a relief of the plurality of protrusions to impart the plurality of protrusions <NUM> on a tire during a tire molding process. Moreover, the plurality of protrusions <NUM> can be provided as serrations or voids in the groove bottom <NUM>, such that the groove bottom <NUM> itself defines the plurality of protrusions <NUM> protruding relative to the recessed serrations or voids. In other words, unless otherwise noted, the plurality of protrusions <NUM> can be formed as a positive impression or a negative impression on the groove bottom <NUM>, where the groove bottom <NUM> includes a plurality of radially offset surfaces.

A lateral width "w" of the transverse groove <NUM> is defined between the first side portion <NUM> and the second side portion <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, a first width "w1" of the transverse groove <NUM> is greater than a second width "w2" of the transverse groove <NUM>. For example, the width "w" of the transverse groove <NUM> can decrease across the rib <NUM> from the first circumferential groove 110a to the second circumferential groove 110b. The width "w" is illustrated as decreasing linearly (e.g., defined by a linear function) across the rib <NUM> from the first circumferential groove 110a to the second circumferential groove 110b, although the width "w" can decrease non-linearly (e.g., defined by a non-linear function, stepped) in further embodiments. In the illustrated embodiment, the width "w" of the transverse groove <NUM> decreases across the rib <NUM> in a direction toward the equatorial plane "E" of the tire <NUM>. In some embodiments, the width "w" of the transverse groove <NUM> can decrease across the rib <NUM> in a direction away from an equatorial plane "E" of the tire <NUM>.

The width "w" is defined as a dimension parallel to the lateral direction "L. " In some embodiments, the first width "w1" can be defined as a maximum width of the transverse groove <NUM>, and the second width "w2" can be defined as a minimum width of the transverse groove <NUM>, where "w1" > "w2," and intermediate widths "wi" defined along the transverse groove <NUM> between the first width "w1" and the second width "w2" are defined as "w1" > "wi" > "w2. " It should be understood that the width "w" of the transverse groove <NUM> may be less than the first width "w1" at the first end <NUM> of the transverse groove <NUM> where the transverse groove <NUM> terminates at the first circumferential groove 110a, while still providing the first width "w1" at the first end <NUM> greater than the second width "w2" at the second end <NUM>.

A circumferential length "I" of the transverse groove <NUM> is defined between the first side portion <NUM> and the second side portion <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, a first length "<NUM>" of the transverse groove <NUM> is greater than a second length "<NUM>" of the transverse groove <NUM>. For example, the length "I" of the transverse groove <NUM> can decrease across the rib <NUM> from the first circumferential groove 110a to the second circumferential groove 110b. The length "I" is illustrated as decreasing linearly (e.g., defined by a linear function) across the rib <NUM> from the first circumferential groove 110a to the second circumferential groove 110b, although the length "I" can decrease non-linearly (e.g., defined by a non-linear function, stepped) in further embodiments. In the illustrated embodiment, the length "I" of the transverse groove <NUM> decreases across the rib <NUM> in a direction toward the equatorial plane "E" of the tire <NUM>. In some embodiments, the length "I" of the transverse groove <NUM> can decrease across the rib <NUM> in a direction away from an equatorial plane "E" of the tire <NUM>.

The length "I" is defined as a dimension parallel to the circumferential direction "C. " In some embodiments, the first length "<NUM>" can be defined as a maximum length of the transverse groove <NUM>, and the second length "<NUM>" can be defined as a minimum length of the transverse groove <NUM>, where "<NUM>" > "<NUM>," and intermediate lengths "Ii" defined along the transverse groove <NUM> between the first length "<NUM>" and the second length "<NUM>" are defined as "<NUM>" > "Ii" > "<NUM>.

One or more of the width "w," depth "d," and length "I" of the transverse groove <NUM> can decrease along the transverse groove <NUM> in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation "A. " For example, in some embodiments, one or more of the width "w," depth "d," and length "I" of the transverse groove <NUM> can decrease in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation "A" from the first end <NUM> to the second end <NUM>, or from the first circumferential groove 110a to the second circumferential groove 110b. By decreasing one or more of the width "w," depth "d," and length "I" of the transverse groove <NUM> in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation "A," a volume of the transverse groove <NUM> or an area of the opening <NUM> of the transverse groove <NUM> likewise decreases in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation "A. " Said another way, increasing one or more of the width "w," depth "d," and length "I" of the transverse groove <NUM> in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation "A," increases a volume of the transverse groove <NUM> or an area of the opening <NUM> of the transverse groove <NUM> in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation "A. " Increasing or decreasing one or more of the width "w," depth "d," and length "I" of the transverse groove <NUM> in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation "A" can provide advantages with respect to particular wear patterns of the tire <NUM>.

During normal operation of the tire <NUM> including the transverse groove <NUM> with a plurality of protrusions <NUM>, a wear pattern of the circumferential tread <NUM> can occur where the first surface 215a of the first block 210a and the second surface 215b of the second block 210b wear (e.g., are worn away or removed) laterally across the rib <NUM> from the second end <NUM> of the transverse groove <NUM> to the first end <NUM> of the transverse groove <NUM>. For example, normal operation of the tire, including rotation about the axis of revolution "A" (see <FIG>), braking, or turning, can cause the circumferential tread <NUM> to wear outward from the equatorial plane "E" of the tire <NUM> toward the respective sidewalls <NUM>, <NUM>.

Because of the varying depth of the transverse groove <NUM>, as the circumferential tread <NUM> of the tire <NUM> wears, the existence or presence of either or both of the first edge <NUM> and the second edge <NUM> resolves (e.g., disappears) into the first surface 215a of the first block 210a and the second surface 215b of the second block 210b. In some embodiments, either or both of the first edge <NUM> and the second edge <NUM> can function as a biting edge that enables the circumferential tread <NUM> to grip a road surface, particularly a snow-covered road surface. Thus, as either or both of the first edge <NUM> and the second edge <NUM> resolves during normal operation of the tire <NUM>, the gripping ability of the circumferential tread <NUM> decreases. The tread feature of the present invention, including the transverse groove <NUM> with a plurality of protrusions <NUM> provides an inventive solution to counter this phenomenon. As the tire wears, the first surfaces 210a, 215b of the first and second blocks 210a, 210b are in closer proximity to more, and longer protrusions <NUM>, and thus to more biting edges. For example, the tread feature of the present invention can increase the usable life of a tire <NUM>, increase performance of a tire <NUM>, provide a safer tire <NUM> for all weather conditions including snow, and can ensure a constant or consistent performance during the entire usable life of the tire <NUM>, even as one or more portions of the tire <NUM> wears.

<FIG> schematically illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of the transverse groove <NUM> of <FIG>, taken along line <NUM>-<NUM> of <FIG>, representing a new or unused state of the tire <NUM>. The plurality of protrusions <NUM> are shown with a first protrusion <NUM> having a first dimension "x" in the circumferential directional "C" and a second dimension "y" in the radial direction "R. " The first protrusion <NUM> is spaced apart from an immediately adjacent second protrusion <NUM> a distance "z" in the circumferential direction "C. " While the plurality of protrusions <NUM> are shown as having a rectangular geometry, other shapes, geometries, and sizes can be provided in further embodiments. For example, one or more protrusions <NUM> can have a rounded profile or a polygonal profile. In one embodiment, "x" can be approximately <NUM>, "y" can be between <NUM> and <NUM>, and "z" can be approximately <NUM>. If further examples, "x" can be between <NUM> and <NUM>, "y" can be between <NUM> and <NUM>, and "z" can be between <NUM> and <NUM>.

With reference to protrusion <NUM>, each of the protrusions <NUM> includes a top surface <NUM> facing the opening <NUM> of the transverse groove <NUM>. In some embodiments, the top surface <NUM> can have a textured or rough surface. For example, the top surface <NUM> can be machined, molded, printed, chemically etched, cast, laser engraved or laser ablated to have a surface roughness that increases the coefficient of friction between the top surface <NUM> and an abutting surface (e.g., road surface) contacting the top surface <NUM>.

In addition to the top surface <NUM>, other surfaces (e.g., first side portion <NUM>, bottom portion <NUM>, second side portion <NUM>, and other surfaces of the plurality of protrusions <NUM> can include a similarly textured or roughened surface. For example, in some embodiments, the plurality of protrusions <NUM> can be formed by providing the groove bottom <NUM> as a textured or rough surface defining the plurality of protrusions <NUM>. In further embodiments, rather than forming the plurality of protrusions <NUM>, the textured or rough surface can be provided directly within the groove <NUM> and can function as the plurality of protrusions. The textured or rough surfaces of the groove bottom <NUM> (or other surfaces) can have a roughness between P20 and P40 grit sandpaper with asperities between approximately <NUM> and <NUM>. Any one or more surfaces can be machined, molded, printed, chemically etched, cast, laser engraved or laser ablated to provide the asperities defining the surface roughness.

As the circumferential tread <NUM> of the tire <NUM> wears, the existence or presence of either or both of the first edge <NUM> and the second edge <NUM> resolves (e.g., disappears) into the first surface 215a of the first block 210a and the second surface 215b of the second block 210b. Moreover, the first surface 215a and the second surface 215b wear down over time during normal operation of the tire <NUM>. For example, <FIG> schematically illustrates the partial cross-sectional view of the transverse groove <NUM> of <FIG> after the tire <NUM> is partially worn. As illustrated, the first surface 215a and the second surface 215b are worn down and the depth "d" of the transverse groove <NUM> decreases. With the first surface 215a and the second surface 215b reduced, the top surface <NUM> of one or more of the plurality of protrusions <NUM> emerges and comes into contact with the road surface. Additionally, edges <NUM>, <NUM> of the top surface <NUM> can function as biting edges that further enable the circumferential tread <NUM> to grip a road surface, particularly a snow-covered road surface.

Referring back to <FIG>, during normal operation of the tire <NUM>, a wear pattern of the circumferential tread <NUM> can occur where the first surface 215a of the first block 210a and the second surface 215b of the second block 210b wear laterally across the rib <NUM> from the second end <NUM> of the transverse groove <NUM> to the first end <NUM> of the transverse groove <NUM>. As the surfaces 215a, 215b continue to wear in the lateral direction "L," the plurality of protrusions <NUM> emerge from the second end <NUM> of the transverse groove <NUM> to the first end <NUM> of the transverse groove <NUM>. The gradual or sequential emergence of the plurality of grooves <NUM> can increase the usable life of the tire <NUM>, increase performance of the tire <NUM>, provide a safer tire <NUM> for all weather conditions including snow, and can ensure a constant or consistent performance during the entire usable life of the tire <NUM>, even as one or more portions of the tire <NUM> wears.

For example, as the surfaces 215a, 215b wear in the lateral direction "L," from the second end <NUM> to the first end <NUM>, one may expect the performance (e.g., gripping capability) of the tire <NUM> to decrease as a function of wear, with more wear equating to a decrease in performance. However, because the plurality of protrusions <NUM> emerge as a function of wear, the performance of the tire <NUM> of the present disclosure may improve over the entire operational life of the tire <NUM> as compared to a tire without the transverse groove <NUM> and the plurality of protrusions <NUM>.

In some embodiments, with the depth "d" of the transverse groove <NUM> decreasing from first depth "d1" at the first end <NUM> to second depth "d2" at the second end <NUM>, the plurality of protrusions <NUM> first emerge at the second end <NUM> and then continue to emerge in a direction towards the first end <NUM> as the tire <NUM> wears. Moreover, with the width "w" of the transverse groove <NUM> decreasing from first width "w1" at the first end <NUM> to second width "w2" at the second end <NUM>, the corresponding surface area of emerged protrusions is smaller at the second end <NUM> when the plurality of protrusions <NUM> first emerge (and the surfaces 215a, 215b of the blocks 210a, 201b are providing more grip) and then continues to increase in a direction towards the first end <NUM> as the tire <NUM> wears (and the surfaces 215a, 215b of the blocks 210a, 201b are providing less grip). Likewise, with the length "I" of the transverse groove <NUM> decreasing from first length "<NUM>" at the first end <NUM> to second length "<NUM>" at the second end <NUM>, the corresponding surface area of emerged protrusions is smaller at the second end <NUM> when the plurality of protrusions <NUM> first emerge (and the surfaces 215a, 215b of the blocks 210a, 201b are providing more grip) and then continues to increase in a direction towards the first end <NUM> as the tire <NUM> wears (and the surfaces 215a, 215b of the blocks 210a, 201b are providing less grip).

In some embodiments, the characteristics of the transverse groove <NUM> and the plurality of protrusions <NUM> can be selected to provide a predetermined rate of emergence of surface area (e.g., top surface <NUM>) of the plurality of protrusions <NUM>. For example, in some embodiments, the rate of emergence of the surface area of the plurality of protrusions <NUM> can be selected to maintain a constant gripping capability and, therefore, constant tire performance over the life of the tire <NUM> as the tire <NUM> wears under normal operation. Alternatively, the rate of emergence of the surface area of the plurality of protrusions <NUM> can be selected to increase gripping capability and, therefore, increase tire performance over the life of the tire <NUM> as the tire <NUM> wears under normal operation. Moreover, the plurality of protrusions <NUM> can also perform a snow trapping function that further improves performance of the tire <NUM> in snowy weather conditions. Such considerations are exemplary, and should be understood as non-limiting examples of different ways in which the plurality of protrusions <NUM> can provide the tire <NUM> with desirable performance properties based on one or more of intended road conditions (e.g., rain, snow, all weather), intended life of the tire, type of vehicle with which the tire is used, geographic location of the tire, market factors, cost, and consumer feedback and preferences.

To the extent that the term "includes" or "including" is used in the specification or the claims, it is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term "comprising" as that term is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim. Furthermore, to the extent that the term "or" is employed (e.g., A or B) it is intended to mean "A or B or both. " When the applicants intend to indicate "only A or B but not both" then the term "only A or B but not both" will be employed. Thus, use of the term "or" herein is the inclusive, and not the exclusive use. See, <NPL>). Also, to the extent that the terms "in" or "into" are used in the specification or the claims, it is intended to additionally mean "on" or "onto. " Furthermore, to the extent the term "connect" is used in the specification or claims, it is intended to mean not only "directly connected to," but also "indirectly connected to" such as connected through another component or components.

Claim 1:
A tire (<NUM>) comprising:
a circumferential tread (<NUM>) including a first circumferential groove (110a) and a second circumferential groove (110b) that define a rib (<NUM>) extending in a circumferential direction circumscribing an axis of rotation (A), the rib (<NUM>) including
a transverse groove (<NUM>) disposed in the rib (<NUM>) and extending from a first end (<NUM>) at the first circumferential groove (110a) to a second end (<NUM>) at the second circumferential groove (110b), wherein a depth of the transverse groove (<NUM>) is defined between an outer surface of the rib (<NUM>) and a bottom surface (<NUM>) of the transverse groove (<NUM>) in a radial direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation (A), and wherein the depth of the transverse groove (<NUM>) decreases linearly in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation (A) from the first end (<NUM>) of the transverse groove to the second end (<NUM>) of the transverse groove; and
a plurality of protrusions (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) protruding from the bottom surface (<NUM>) of the transverse groove (<NUM>).