Tire with tread having variable sipe density and round crown

Abstract

This invention relates generally to tires having treads that have a configuration and/or properties for maintaining hydroplaning performance, dry braking performance and improved wear resistance, and, more specifically, to a tire that has a tread that N has a variable sipe density, i.e a higher sipe density in its central portion and a lower sipe density in its shoulder portions, as well as a round crown with a predetermined inflated profile droop. Another embodiment of the present invention further includes the addition of a member that provides more structural stiffness across the crown of a tire, such that better compromises between hydroplaning, dry braking, and wear performances can be obtained.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.