Variable thickness sipes
US11186054B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 30, 2016 |
| Grant date | Nov 30, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 30, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60C2011/1277
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The present invention includes tire treads having a sipe (18) and a void feature (22) in fluid communication with the sipe. Particular embodiments of the present invention also include methods for forming the same. In various embodiments, the sipe has a length, a height, and a thickness that is variable across the length and height of the sipe. The thickness of the sipe includes a thick portion (24) and a thin portion (26), the thick portion at least partially extending around a perimeter of the thin portion. In particular embodiments, the void feature (22) which is in fluid communication with the sipe extends primarily in a direction of the sipe length and has a width extending in the direction of the sipe thickness equal to or greater than substantially 1 millimeter.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.