Truck tire tread with decoupling vacuum and associated decoupling vacuum slot

Description

1 / 28 “TRUCK TIRE TREAD WITH DECOUPLING VOID AND ASSOCIATED DECOUPLING VOID GROOVE” FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The object of the present invention relates to a truck tire with a decoupling void and associated decoupling void groove for improved aggression performance. More particularly, the present application involves a truck tire with a decoupling void groove that is deeper in the tread than the decoupling void that provides bridging support to the decoupling void to protect the tread from aggression damage. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Manufacturers of tires for heavy commercial vehicles have progressed in developing tire architectures and materials that allow for increased tread wear resistance and reduced tire rolling resistance, while simultaneously improving their grip and resistance to road hazards. Uneven tread wear (also called “pattern wear” or “abnormal wear”) is a major concern for heavy commercial vehicle tires, as it can progressively induce tire vibrations that are detected by the driver through the steering wheel. It can also result in a poor-looking wear pattern. These two undesirable effects generally lead to the tire being taken out of service at an early stage of its service life. Generally, the more the tire is subjected to slow-wear use, the more uneven wear affects the mileage at which it is removed.That is why resistance to irregular wear is of paramount importance for truck tires in so-called long-haul driving use.

[0003] The inclusion of structural features in tires to combat uneven wear is known. For example, a sacrificial rib can be incorporated into the tread architecture to delay the appearance of uneven wear. However, this feature is sensitive to contain the aggression Petition 870220049212, dated 03 / 06 / 2022, page 16 / 71 2 / 28 and its use may not be practical outside of long-haul North American applications. This design can occasionally lead to cracking in the lower part of the decoupling groove, which can lead to premature removal and customer dissatisfaction. Other sculptural features that can combat irregular wear include microgrooves and angled microgrooves. These are small grooves that generally extend in the lateral direction of the tire width. Unfortunately, these features are unusable in severe-use applications due to concerns about aggression. Tire aggression is a concern in emerging or growing markets that feature roads that subject the tire to more severe use, which works to tear and wear the tread at a higher rate than smoother, better-maintained roads. While mechanisms are known to reduce or eliminate irregular wear, there is still room for variation and improvement in technique. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] A complete and empowering disclosure of the present invention, including the best embodiment thereof, directed to those skilled in the art, is set forth in the descriptive report, which refers to the accompanying figures.

[0005] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a heavy truck tire, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0006] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a tire, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0007] Figure 3 is a top view of a portion of the tire tread from Figure 2.

[0008] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a portion of the tire tread from Figure 2.

[0009] Figure 5 is a top view of a portion of the tread that has sloped decoupling void grooves in the width direction.

[0010] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a portion of the tread of Figure 5.

[0011] Figure 7 is a partial cross-sectional view taken from inside Petition 870220049212, dated 03 / 06 / 2022, page 17 / 71 3 / 28 a decoupling void showing the decoupling void grooves angled relative to the thickness direction.

[0012] Figure 8 is a perspective view of a portion of the tread of Figure 7.

[0013] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 9-9 of Figure 10.

[0014] Figure 10 is a top view of a portion of the tread, according to another exemplary embodiment.

[0015] Figure 11 is a perspective view of a portion of the tread pattern of the type shown in Figure 10.

[0016] Figure 12 is a top view of a portion of the tread, according to another exemplary embodiment.

[0017] Figure 13 is a top view showing the decoupling void and decoupling void slots, according to another exemplary embodiment.

[0018] Figure 14 is a side view of Figure 13.

[0019] Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a tire tread, according to another exemplary embodiment.

[0020] Figure 16 is a top view of Figure 15.

[0021] Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 1717 of Figure 15.

[0022] Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 1818 of Figure 15.

[0023] Figure 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 1919 of Figure 15.

[0024] Figure 20 is a perspective view of a tread with five successive decoupling void grooves all extending the same distance to the underside.

[0025] Figure 21 is a top view of Figure 20.

[0026] Figure 22 is a perspective view, primarily a side view, of Figure 20. Petition 870220049212, dated 03 / 06 / 2022, page 18 / 71 4 / 28

[0027] Figure 23 is a perspective view of a tread section with five successive alternating decoupling void grooves in which the successive decoupling void grooves extend different distances to the underside.

[0028] Figure 24 is a top view of Figure 23.

[0029] Figure 25 is a perspective view, primarily a side view, of Figure 23.

[0030] Figure 26 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 2626 of Figure 23.

[0031] Figure 27 is a top view of a tread section with five successive decoupling void grooves alternating in length distances to the bottom surface, according to another exemplary embodiment.

[0032] Figure 28 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 2828 of Figure 27.

[0033] Figure 29 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 2929 of Figure 27.

[0034] Figure 30 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3030 of Figure 27.

[0035] Figure 31 is a cross-sectional view along line 31-31 of Figure 32 of a tread pattern, according to another exemplary embodiment.

[0036] Figure 32 is a top view of the tread, according to another exemplary embodiment.

[0037] Figure 33 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3333 of Figure 31 which also includes elements ahead of the cross-sectional cut of Figure 31, such as the decoupling void slots shown in Figure 32.

[0038] Figure 34 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3434 of Figure 31 which also includes elements ahead of the cross-sectional cut of Figure 31, such as the third decoupling void slot.

[0039] Figure 35 is a cross-sectional view of the tread, according to another exemplary embodiment in which the void grooves of Petition 870220049212, dated 03 / 06 / 2022, page 19 / 71 5 / 28 decoupling slots are inclined several times with respect to the thickness direction.

[0040] Figure 36 is a side perspective view of the decoupling void and successive decoupling void slots in an exemplary embodiment.

[0041] Figure 37 is a side perspective view taken from the opposite side that Figure 36 shows.

[0042] The use of identical or similar reference numerals in different figures denotes identical or similar characteristics. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0043] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. For example, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment may be used with another embodiment to render yet a third embodiment. It is intended that the present invention includes these and other modifications and variations.

[0044] The present invention provides a decoupling void groove (32) that engages a decoupling void (30) in a heavy truck tire tread (10) that functions to reduce or eliminate aggression damage. The tread (12) has a raised rib (16) and an adjacent sacrificial rib (20) with the decoupling void (30) between them. The decoupling void groove (32) is in the raised rib (16) and opens into the decoupling void (30). Both the decoupling void groove (32) and the decoupling void (30) extend in a thickness direction (26) of the tread (12) towards a lower surface (14) of the tread (12), with the decoupling void groove (32) closer to the lower surface (14) than the decoupling void (30).This arrangement added a bridging effect at the bottom of the decoupling void (30) which works to reduce or eliminate aggression damage to the tread (12), while maintaining the aspects of the decoupling void (30). It is assumed that aggression damage is caused by impacts near the tire lug (10) when hitting curbs, potholes, etc., and the decoupling void groove bridge (32) will strengthen the. Petition 870220049212, dated 03 / 06 / 2022, page 20 / 71 6 / 28 bottom of the decoupling void (30) and will minimize or eliminate this aggression damage.

[0045] Figure 1 shows a tire (10) which is a heavy truck tire tread (10). In this respect, the tire (10) is not designed for or used with a car, motorcycle or light truck (load capacity less than 1,814.36 kilograms (4,000 pounds)), but is designed for and used with heavy trucks such as 18-wheel trucks, garbage trucks, or box trucks. The tire (10) may be a steering tire, a drive tire, a trailer tire or an all-position tire. The tire (10) includes a carcass (58) on which a tread (12) is disposed. The center axis (60) of the tire (10) extends through the center of the carcass (58) and the axial direction (24), which may be called the width direction (24), of the tire (10) is parallel to the center axis (60). The radial direction (26) of the tire (10) can be referred to as the thickness direction (26) and is perpendicular to the central axis (60).The tread (12) is located further from the center axis (60) in the thickness direction (26) than the carcass (58). The tread (12) extends all around the carcass (58) in the circumferential direction (28) of the tire (10) and encircles the center axis (60) in 360 degrees. The circumferential direction (28) can also be referred to as the longitudinal direction (28) of the tread (12).

[0046] The tread (12) has five ribs (64) which are separated by four longitudinal grooves that extend in the circumferential direction (28) completely around the tire (10). The five ribs (64) can be classified as one center rib, two intermediate ribs and two heel ribs. One of the longitudinal grooves is labeled as the heel tread groove (36) and is the longitudinal groove that separates a heel rib (16) from an intermediate rib (34) of the tread (12). Although five ribs (64) are shown, any number of ribs (64) may be present in other exemplary embodiments. The ribs (64) may each consist of several tread blocks which may have various shapes, sizes and configurations. The inclusion of these architectural features gives the band... Petition 870220049212, dated 03 / 06 / 2022, p. 21 / 71 7 / 28 tread (12) different performance properties in use. The tread (12) may include certain structural features that may reduce abnormal wear. One such structural feature may be grooves (66) extending through the tread blocks of the ribs (64) in the direction of the width (24). The tread (12) has a first tread edge and a second tread edge arranged oppositely in the direction of the width (24). The tread width of the tread (12) extends from one edge to the other edge and is the portion of the tread (12) that is designed to engage the ground when the tire (10) is new before any tread wear (12) has occurred. The tire (10) may be a new tire with casing (58) and tread (12) formed at the same time, both being new.Alternatively, the tread (12) may be provided as a retreaded tread that is newly formed and then attached to an existing used casing (58) via a retreading process. It should be understood that the tire (10) illustrated in Figure 1 does not include a sacrificial rib (20) or a decoupling void groove (32) according to the present invention.

[0047] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a tire (10) incorporating a decoupling void groove (32), according to an exemplary embodiment. The tread (12) has ribs (64) which include a single center rib, a pair of intermediate ribs and two heel ribs (16). Also present is a pair of sacrificial ribs (20) which are adjacent to the two heel ribs (16) and are at opposite ends of the tread (12) in the width direction (24). The sacrificial ribs (20) are provided to protect the heel ribs (16) during tire (10) use and will normally wear out first so that the heel ribs (16) are not subjected to uneven wear during use. The height of the spring ribs (16) in the thickness direction (26) is greater than the height of the sacrificial ribs (20) in the thickness direction (26).The sacrificial rib (20) is separated from the shoulder rib (16) by a decoupling void (30) which can be made to have a variety of shapes. The embodiment in Figure 2 shows the decoupling void (30) as. Petition 870220049212, dated 03 / 06 / 2022, p. 22 / 71 8 / 28 having a greater width deeper in the tread (12) formed by the turned portion of the sacrificial rib (20). The sacrificial rib (20) may be part of the tread (12) and may be formed with the remaining ribs (64) and fixed to the upper part of the carcass (58).

[0048] A portion of the tire tread (12) of the tire (10) of Figure 2 is shown in Figures 3 and 4. A plurality of decoupling void grooves (32) are located in the ridge rib (16) and are spaced from each other in the longitudinal direction (28). The ridge rib (16) has an upper surface (18) that engages with the road surface and the decoupling void groove (32) is open in this upper surface (18). The decoupling void groove (32) can be of various shapes and sizes, and in the embodiment shown has a main portion (68), which has a small width, and a drop (62) at the end of the main portion (68) which is circular in shape with a width greater than the main portion (68). Both the main portion (68) and the drop (62) are open in the upper surface (18).The decoupling void groove (32) opens into the decoupling void (30), and the main portion (68) is the part of the decoupling void groove (32) that opens into this feature. The decoupling void groove (32) extends into the inner part of the tread (12) with a greater depth than the decoupling void (30) in the thickness direction (26). The decoupling void groove (32) has a width of less than 2 millimeters. This width can be measured in the main portion (68) so that the main portion (68) is less than 2 millimeters wide and the drop (62) can be less than 2 millimeters wide or the drop (62) can be 2 millimeters or more wide. In some embodiments, no portion of the decoupling void groove (32) has a width of 2 millimeters or more.

[0049] With respect to Figure 2, the tread (12) has a lower surface (14) that engages with the carcass (58). The decoupling void groove (32) extends to a point closer to the lower surface (14) than the decoupling void (30). A distance (78) extends completely in the thickness direction (26) and is the closest distance to the decoupling void groove. Petition 870220049212, dated 03 / 06 / 2022, page 23 / 71 9 / 28 (32) to the lower surface (14). The lower surface (14) may be the lower limit of the extruded tread compound which is usually placed on top of the belt package which is also referred to as part of the carcass (58). A distance (76) extends completely in the thickness direction (26) and is the closest distance from the decoupling void (30) to the lower surface (14). The distance (78) is less than the distance (76), which indicates that the decoupling void groove (32) is closer to the lower surface (14) and the decoupling void groove (30) is farther from the lower surface (14) than the decoupling void groove (32).

[0050] The decoupling void groove (32) extends outward in the width direction (24) to a farthest outward extension (38), which is the portion of the decoupling void groove (32) closest to the outer edge of the tread (12) in the width direction (24). The farthest outward extension (38) may be in a position in the width direction (24) that is not as far outward as the decoupling void (30), farther outward than the decoupling void (30), or at the same outward extension as the decoupling void (30) in the width direction (24). In this particular embodiment, the farthest outward extension (38) is the same as the farthest outward extension of the decoupling void (30) in the width direction (24). The sacrificial rib (20) has an upper surface (22) that is on the outer surface of the tread (12).The decoupling void groove (32) does not extend to the upper surface (22) and is not located on the sacrificial rib (20) in this embodiment. With reference now to Figure 3, it can be seen that the decoupling void groove (32) is oriented completely in the direction of the width (24). In this respect, a width angle (40) of the decoupling void groove (32) is zero degrees. This width angle (40) can be measured by drawing a line through the center of the decoupling void groove (32) and comparing the angle of this line to a line extending completely in the direction of the width (24). The drop (62) is present in the outermost portions of the decoupling void groove (32) and is. Petition 870220049212, dated 03 / 06 / 2022, page 24 / 71 10 / 28 present in the deepest portion of the decoupling void groove (32) in the thickness direction (26). The drop (62) need not be present in other exemplary embodiments. The decoupling void groove (32) extends completely in the thickness direction (26). The arrangement of the decoupling void groove (32) causes it to extend below the decoupling void (30) and extend across the entire width of the decoupling void (30). If the decoupling void groove (32) has a geometry that makes it difficult to determine the width angle (40), a straight line can be drawn from a point at the intersection of the decoupling void groove (32) and decoupling void (30) to a point that is the innermost extension of the decoupling void groove (32) in the width direction (24).The straight line drawn between these two points can then be measured in relation to a line drawn completely in the direction of the width (24) to determine the width angle (40).

[0051] Another embodiment of the tread (12) is illustrated with reference to Figures 5 and 6 in which the relevant portions of the tread (12) are shown. The decoupling void grooves (32) are arranged as discussed previously except that their width angle (40) is not zero. The width angle (40) is 25 degrees. The width angle (40) is constant along the entire decoupling void groove (32). In other embodiments, the width angle (40) may be 5 degrees, 10 degrees, 15 degrees, 20 degrees or greater than zero to 25 degrees. The tread (12) may be directional in which the tread characteristics are provided such that the tread (12) is designed to roll primarily in one direction. The forward-projected rolling direction is known as the rolling direction (80) and is indicated in Figures 5 and 6.The width angle (40) is arranged so that the engagement of the decoupling void groove (32) with the decoupling void (30) is forward in relation to the rolling direction (80) of the end of the decoupling void groove (32) that is further inside the raised rib (16) in the width direction (24).

[0052] Figure 7 shows a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of Petition 870220049212, dated 03 / 06 / 2022, page 25 / 71 11 / 28 tread (12) taken from within the decoupling void (30) where the side wall of the raised rib (16) which defines part of the decoupling void (30) is visible. The decoupling void groove (32) can be seen opening through the side wall of the raised rib (16) and into the decoupling void (30). The decoupling void groove (32) also extends below the bottom of the decoupling void (30) in the thickness direction (26) so as to be closer to the bottom surface (14) than the bottom of the decoupling void (30). The distance (78) is less than the distance (76) and these distances (76), (78) represent the closest approximations of the decoupling void (30) and the decoupling void groove (32) to the bottom surface (14).The decoupling void groove (32) is inclined relative to the width direction (24), so that the width angle (40) is again different from zero and in the disclosed embodiment is 25 degrees. Furthermore, the orientation of the decoupling void groove (32) is angled relative to the thickness direction (26) so that it does not extend completely into the thickness direction (26). The orientation of the decoupling void groove (32) to the thickness direction (26) can be measured by means of a thickness angle (42). The thickness angle (42) is measured from the point where the decoupling void groove (32) engages the upper surface (18). A line drawn completely into the thickness direction (26) extends through this point and the thickness angle (42) is measured between this vertical line and the decoupling void groove (32).It may be the case that the decoupling void groove (32) has a shape that makes it difficult to orient it in relation to the thickness direction (26) to be measured, for example, the decoupling void groove (32) may have a wavy shape and be linear. In these cases, one point may be located at the opening of the decoupling void groove (32) on the upper surface (18) and a second point may be located at the deepest location of the decoupling void groove (32) on the tread (12) in the thickness direction (26), and a straight line may be drawn between these two points. The thickness angle (42) is measured between this straight line and the straight line extending completely in the thickness direction (26). Petition 870220049212, dated 03 / 06 / 2022, page 26 / 71 12 / 28 passing through the intersection of the decoupling void groove (32) and the upper surface (18).

[0053] The thickness angle (42) in Figure 7 is 8.5 degrees. The thickness angle (42) may be different in other embodiments and may be greater than 0 to 15 degrees, 5 degrees, 15 degrees, 25 degrees, greater than 0 to 25 degrees, 12 degrees, 10 to 15 degrees, 15 to 20 degrees, 20 to 25 degrees, more than 0 degrees to 5 degrees, or 5 to 10 degrees in other embodiments. The entire height of the decoupling void groove (32) may have the same orientation as the thickness angle (42) relative to the thickness direction (26). The rolling direction (80) is noted and the decoupling void groove (32) is oriented so that, after the extension in the tread (12) from the upper surface (18), the decoupling void groove (32) extends opposite to the rolling direction (80) in the circumferential direction (28).However, other embodiments are possible wherein the thickness angle (42) causes the decoupling void groove (32) to extend from the upper surface (18) so that the lower part of the decoupling void groove (32) is located forward in the rolling direction (80) from the point of the decoupling void groove (32) on the upper surface (18). Furthermore, the tread (12) may not be a directional tread (12) so that it does not have a rolling direction (80) and the thickness angle (42) in these cases may be positive or negative. Figure 8 shows a portion of the tread (12) which includes the decoupling void grooves (32) which are oriented so that they have a width angle (40) and a thickness angle (42) which is not zero degrees. In this particular version, the width angle (40) is 25 degrees and the thickness angle (42) is 8.5 degrees.However, it should be understood that in other embodiments, the thickness angle (42) may be greater than zero, while the width angle (40) is zero degrees. The decoupling void groove (32) may be arranged to extend into the sacrificial rib (20), but remain hidden in the sacrificial rib (20).

[0054] Figures 9 to 11 illustrate another embodiment of the tread (12). The decoupling void (30) has a drop at its lower end and has a Petition 870220049212, dated 03 / 06 / 2022, page 27 / 71 13 / 28 main section of linear shape. The decoupling void (30) may extend completely in the longitudinal direction (28) or may be wavy or angled in its extension in the longitudinal direction (28). The decoupling void groove (32) extends again from the upper surface (18) to the tread (12) so that the distance (78) is less than the distance (76). However, the decoupling void groove (32) extends to the outer side beyond the decoupling void (30) in the width direction (24), so that the furthest outer side extension (38) is on the outer side of the entire decoupling void (30) in the width direction (24). The decoupling void groove (32) extends to the upper surface (22) and is open on the upper surface (22).The drop portion (62) is located on the outer and innermost extensions of the decoupling void groove (32) in the width direction (24) and at the location of the decoupling void groove (32) deepest in the tread 12 and closest to the bottom surface (14) in the thickness direction (26). The remaining edges of the decoupling void groove (32) are the main portion (68) and do not have a drop portion (62) and these portions engage with the top surfaces (18, 22) and the decoupling void (30). The width angle (40) and thickness angle (42) are both zero degrees in the illustrated embodiment. The decoupling void (30) has a width (56) which may be two millimeters or more in some embodiments. In these cases, the decoupling void (30) can be called a decoupling groove, given that a groove is a void with a width of 2 millimeters or more.In cases where the decoupling void (30) has a width (56) less than 2 millimeters, the decoupling void (30) may be called the decoupling groove. The width (56) may be measured as the maximum width of the decoupling void (30), which may be the width (56) of the drop of the decoupling void (30) in the direction of the width (24), or it may be measured as the width of the largest part of the decoupling void (30) that has the same shape / size which in the present case would be the portion of the decoupling void (30) above the drop portion in the direction of thickness (26). The decoupling void groove (32) extends into the inner part of the sacrificial rib (20) and not. Petition 870220049212, dated 03 / 06 / 2022, page 28 / 71 14 / 28 is hidden in the sacrificial rib (20) because it is open on the upper surface (22).

[0055] A raised tread groove (36) separates the raised rib (16) from the intermediate rib (34). The raised tread groove (36) has a bottom that is at a distance from the lower surface (14) in the thickness direction (26) that is greater than the distance (78). In other embodiments, the distance from the lower surface (14) to the bottom of the raised tread groove (36) in the thickness direction (26) is the same as the distance (78). The decoupling void groove (32) is located in the raised rib (16) and does not extend to the raised tread groove (36), so it does not open into the raised tread groove (36).

[0056] Another embodiment of the tread (12) is shown in top view in Figure 12 which illustrates the relevant portions of the design. The decoupling void groove (32) is again opened on the upper surface (18). However, it should be understood that the decoupling void groove (32) need not be opened on the upper surface (18) and / or on the upper surface (22) in other embodiments. The decoupling void groove (32) is oriented at a width angle (40) which is greater than zero and is 25 degrees in this embodiment. The portion of the decoupling void groove (32) on the inner side of the decoupling void (30) in the width direction (24) is oriented differently with respect to the width direction (24) than the portion of the decoupling void groove (32) on the outer side of the decoupling void (30) in the width direction (24).The portion of the decoupling void groove (32) on the outer side of the decoupling void (30) in the width direction (24) has a width angle (40) which also has a magnitude of 25 degrees. Both portions on either side of the decoupling void (30) extend from the decoupling void (30) by the same magnitude as the width angle (40) backward relative to the rolling direction (80) in the circumferential direction (28). The decoupling void groove (32) is symmetrical with respect to the decoupling void (30), but need not be symmetrical with respect to the decoupling void (30) in other embodiments. The decoupling void groove (32) also has a thickness angle (42). Petition 870220049212, dated 03 / 06 / 2022, page 29 / 71 15 / 28 which is not zero, 8.5 degrees in this embodiment and extends backward in relation to the rolling direction (80), so that the lower part of the decoupling void groove (32) is behind the openings in the upper surfaces (18, 22) in the circumferential direction (28).

[0057] Figures 13 and 14 show another embodiment of the tread (12) in which the decoupling void (30), the decoupling void grooves (32) and the orientations of the raised ribs (16) and sacrificial ribs (20) are shown. The decoupling void grooves (32) are oriented in the width (24) and thickness (26) directions so that they do not form zero angles in these directions. Furthermore, the width and thickness orientations of the decoupling void grooves (32) are not the same along their entire length, but change. The decoupling void groove (32) has a first portion (44) that originates on the upper surface (18) and this first portion (44) is oriented at a first width angle (46) to the width direction (24). The first portion (44) is also oriented at a first thickness angle (52) relative to the thickness direction (26).The width angle (46) and thickness angle (52) can be measured in the same way as discussed previously in relation to angles (40, 42) and can have magnitudes as discussed previously. The lower part of the decoupling void groove (32) “twists” so that it has a different width angle. The first portion (44) transitions into a second portion (48) at a location on the upper portion of the drop portion of the decoupling void (30) and maintains this second portion (48) for the rest of the decoupling void groove (32) which terminates on the opposite side of the decoupling void (30) from the first portion (44). The second portion (48) terminates below the upper surface (22) and does not open onto the upper surface (22). The second portion (48) includes the part of the decoupling void groove (32) that is below the decoupling void (30) and is closer to the lower surface (14) than the decoupling void (30).The second portion (48) has a second width angle (50) which is not zero degrees and is different in magnitude from the first width angle (46). In addition, the second portion (48) has a second thickness angle. Petition 870220049212, dated 03 / 06 / 2022, page 30 / 71 16 / 28 (54) which is not zero degrees and which is different in magnitude from the first thickness angle (52). In addition to having different width and thickness angles, portions (44), (48) may have different widths from each other, so that the second portion (48) is wider than the width of the first portion (44). Therefore, the width angles (46 and 50) of the decoupling void groove (32) need not be the same throughout the decoupling void groove (32), but may be different in different locations of the decoupling void groove (32). The variation of the width angles (46, 50) of the decoupling void groove (32) will impact the function of the decoupling void (30) and the resistance to aggression damage. The smaller the magnitude of the width angle, the more laterally oriented the decoupling void slot (32) will be, and the more coupled the shoulder and sacrificial ribs (16, 20) will be.Increasing the magnitude of the width angle will cause the shoulder rib (16) and the sacrificial rib (20) to be less coupled to each other.

[0058] Another embodiment of the tread (12) is shown with reference to Figures 15 to 19 in which only the relevant portion of the tread (12) which includes the decoupling void groove (32) is shown. The decoupling void groove (32) extends to the outer side in the lateral direction (24) so ​​that the extension of the furthest outer side (38) is on the outer side of the entire decoupling void (30) in the width direction (24), but the decoupling void groove (32) does not extend to the upper surface (22) and is not open on the upper surface (22). The decoupling void groove (32) is made of three portions (44, 48, 70) which have different orientations with respect to the width and thickness directions (24, 26). Although three portions are shown in this embodiment, any number of portions of the decoupling void groove (32) may be present in still other versions of the tread (12).The top view of the tread (12) is shown in Figure 16 and is the tread (12) in an unused state. The decoupling void groove (32) has a first portion (44) which is at a first width angle (46) relative to the width direction (24). The first width angle (46) is 20 degrees and can be measured from. Petition 870220049212, dated 03 / 06 / 2022, page 31 / 71 17 / 28 ways discussed previously. The first portion (44) extends for a distance in the tread (12) in the thickness direction (26) until it transitions into a second portion (48) of the decoupling void groove (32). The first portion (44) extends for a greater length in the thickness direction (26) than the amount of extension of the second portion (48) in the thickness direction (26). The second portion (48) can be seen in Figure 17, which is a cross-sectional view taken along line 17-17 of Figure 15. The second portion (48) is oriented at a second width angle (50) to the width direction (24). The second width angle (50) is less than the first width angle (46) and is 10 degrees in this embodiment. The cross-sectional shape of the second portion (48) is the same as the cross-sectional shape of the first portion (44).The second portion (48) extends in the thickness direction (26) to a height that is the same as the bottom of the decoupling void (30), so that the bottom of the decoupling void (30) and the bottom of the second portion (48) are equidistant from the lower surface (14) in the thickness direction (26).

[0059] The remaining section of the decoupling void groove (32) is made of the third portion (70) and this part includes the lower part of the decoupling void groove (32) that is closest to the lower surface (14) and the part of the decoupling void groove (32) that is on the outside of the decoupling void (30) in the width direction (24). The third portion (70) can be seen in the cross-sectional view of Figure 18 and is similarly oriented with respect to the width direction (24) at a non-zero angle. The third portion is oriented at a third width angle (72) which can be calculated as discussed previously and has a magnitude that is less than the magnitude of the first width angle (46) and is less than the magnitude of the second width angle (50). The third width angle (72) can be 5 degrees in the illustrated embodiment.The third width angle (72) is measured by comparing a line drawn through the third portion (70) originating from the outermost portion of the third portion (70) in the direction of the width (24) to a line extending completely in the direction of the width (24). The cross-sectional shape of the third portion (70) is different from the cross-sectional shapes. Petition 870220049212, dated 03 / 06 / 2022, page 32 / 71 18 / 28 transverse of the first and second portions (44, 48) due to the absence of the decoupling void (30) through parts of the third portion (70). As the tread (12) wears, different portions (44, 48, 70) with their different orientations and resulting shapes may be presented to the road so that the tread (12) exhibits different tread characteristics at different points in its service life.

[0060] In addition to having different width angles (46, 50, 72), the various portions (44, 48, 70) also exhibit different thickness angles (52, 54, 74). Figure 19 shows the extent of the decoupling void groove (32) in the thickness direction (26). The first portion (44) is oriented at a first thickness angle (52) and the second portion (48) is oriented at a second thickness angle (54). The first thickness angle (52) has a greater magnitude than the magnitude of the second thickness angle (54). The third portion (70) is oriented at a third thickness angle (74) to the thickness direction (26) which has a smaller magnitude than the magnitudes of the first and second thickness angles (52, 54). In one embodiment, the first thickness angle (52) is 25 degrees, the second thickness angle (54) is 15 degrees and the third thickness angle (74) is 5 degrees.

[0061] Figures 20 to 22 show a section of the tread (12) in which five of the decoupling void grooves are shown evenly spaced from each other and all bridging to the decoupling void (30) so that they extend to the sacrificial rib (20) as in certain embodiments described previously. The decoupling void grooves are spaced so that successive decoupling void grooves are 4 to 6 millimeters apart in the circumferential direction (28). As such, the second decoupling void groove 100 is 4 to 6 millimeters from the first decoupling void groove (32) in the circumferential direction (28) and the third decoupling void groove (104) is 4 to 6 millimeters from the second decoupling void groove (100) in the circumferential direction (28). Successive decoupling grooves (114, 116) Petition 870220049212, dated 03 / 06 / 2022, page 33 / 71 19 / 28 are equally spaced from each other by 4 to 6 millimeters in the circumferential direction (28), and this groove spacing is within this range around the entire tread (12) of the tire (10). This spacing of the decoupling void grooves (32, 100, 104, 114, 116) on the upper surface of the ridge rib (18) is selected so that it is effective in combating the appearance of irregular tread wear (12). However, if the decoupling void grooves (32, 100, 104, 114, 116) extend under the decoupling void (30), as disclosed, the bottom of the decoupling void (30) will have the grooves (32, 100, 104, 114, 116) successively equally spaced 4 to 6 millimeters from each other around the tread (12) thus creating a void of considerable size at the bottom of the decoupling void (30).This large amount of opening at the bottom of the decoupling void (30) can reduce the robustness of the design and can lead to aggression damage in this portion of the tread (12). If cracking occurs at the bottom of the decoupling void (30), this can cause premature removal of the tire (10) due to customer dissatisfaction.

[0062] In order to maintain the same successive 4 to 6 millimeter spacing on the upper surface of the raised rib (18) to protect against irregular wear, but at the same time increase the material at the bottom of the decoupling void (30) to reduce possible aggression damage, the alternating decoupling voids (100, 114) are not at full depth. Figures 23 to 26 show another exemplary embodiment of the design in which the bridge below the decoupling void (30) is still present to achieve the benefits as discussed previously. However, this bridge is present only in one out of every two grooves, such as the odd-numbered decoupling void grooves (32, 104, 116).The first decoupling void groove (32) has a distance (78) less than the distance (76) from the lower location (106) of the decoupling void (30), so that the first decoupling void groove (32) is closer in the thickness direction (26) to the lower surface (14) than the decoupling void (30) is to the lower surface (14) in the. Petition 870220049212, dated 03 / 06 / 2022, pp. 34 / 71 20 / 28 thickness direction (26). However, the second decoupling void groove (100) extends to the raised rib (16) in the thickness direction (26) to a location close to the lower location (106). In this respect, the decoupling void (30) is closer to the lower surface (14) in the thickness direction (26) than the second decoupling void groove (100) is to the lower surface (14) in the thickness direction (26). The lower location (106), which is the lowest point of the decoupling void (30), is therefore closer to the lower surface (14) in the thickness direction (26) than the second decoupling void groove (100) is to the lower surface (14) in the thickness direction (26).

[0063] The second decoupling void groove (100) extends to the raised rib (16) and terminates in the drop (102) of the decoupling void (30) in the thickness direction (26). The second decoupling void groove (100) has the same shape as the first decoupling void groove (32), but does not extend to the same extent as the first decoupling void groove (32) and does not bridge under the decoupling void (30) and extends to the sacrificial rib (20) as does the first decoupling groove (32).The next successive groove in the circumferential direction (28) is the third decoupling void groove (104), and the third decoupling void groove (104) is arranged in the same way as the first decoupling void groove (32), insofar as it is closer to the lower surface (14) than the decoupling void groove (30) and forms a bridge to the lower part of the decoupling void (30) so as to be located within the sacrificial rib (20). The distance between the successive bridge of the decoupling void (30) is thus increased in the circumferential direction (28) and may be greater than 4 to 6 millimeters due to the fact that the second decoupling void groove (100) between the first and third decoupling void grooves (32, 104) does not form a bridge to the sacrificial rib (20).The spacing on the upper surface of the raised rib (18) is maintained so that the spacing of successive grooves is smaller on the upper surface of the raised rib (18) than the spacing of. Petition 870220049212, dated 03 / 06 / 2022, page 35 / 71 21 / 28 successive grooves on the bottom or below the decoupling void (30).

[0064] Continuous decoupling void grooves are labeled as even numbered decoupling void grooves (114) and odd numbered decoupling void grooves (116) and extend completely around the tread (12) in the circumferential direction (28). The even and odd numbered grooves (114, 116) establish a structure in which the even numbered grooves (114) terminate at or above the bottom location (106), while the odd numbered decoupling void grooves (116) terminate below the bottom location (106) so as to be located closer to the bottom surface (14) in the thickness direction (26). Although described as all grooves (32, 100, 104, 114, 116) alternating in sequence completely 360 degrees around the tread (12), it must be understood that in other exemplary embodiments not all grooves (32, 100, 104, 114, 116) in the tread (12) alternate sequentially as described.In these cases, only three of the grooves (32, 100, 104) need to alternate sequentially where the second decoupling groove (100) ends higher than the first and second decoupling grooves (32, 104) in the thickness direction (26). The remaining grooves (114, 116) in the tread (12) may or may not alternate sequentially as discussed.

[0065] In the embodiment of Figures 23 to 26, all the decoupling void slots (32, 100, 104, 114, 116) are inclined with respect to the width direction (24) so ​​as to be at a non-zero angle with respect to the width direction (24) and the entire slots (32, 100, 104, 114, 116) are at this angle and do not vary in any location. All the decoupling void slots (32, 100, 104, 114, 116) are also inclined with respect to the thickness direction (26) by the same amount which is of non-zero magnitude and all portions of the slots (32, 100, 104, 114, 116) are at this non-zero angle. The second decoupling void slots (100, 114) all have a second drop portion (112) which is their greatest internal extension in the width direction (24) and which extends to and terminates in the drop (102) of the decoupling void (30). The end Petition 870220049212, dated 03 / 06 / 2022, pp. 36 / 71 22 / 28 of the second drop portions (112) open into the drop (102) and this opening is completely contained within the drop (102) and no portion of it is within the decoupling void segment (30) that is above its drop (102) in the thickness direction (26). The first decoupling void groove (32) has a first drop portion (108) and the third decoupling void groove (104) has a third drop portion (110). The odd-numbered decoupling void grooves (116) also have their own drop portions. These drop portions (108, 110) extend under the decoupling void (30) in the thickness direction (26) and terminate completely within the drop (102) opening into the drop (102). No part of the drop portions (108, 110) opens into the decoupling void section (30) that is above the drop (102).The first furthest external extension (38) from the first decoupling void groove (32) is located outside the entire decoupling void (30) in the width direction (24). The third decoupling void groove (104) extends to a third furthest external extension (118) in the width direction (24) which is the same width-direction extension (24) as the first furthest external extension (38). The third furthest external extension (118) may be located on the sacrificial rib (20).

[0066] Another exemplary embodiment of the tread (12) is illustrated in Figures 27 to 30 wherein the various decoupling void grooves (32, 100, 104, 114, 116) are all at zero-degree angles to the width direction (24) and the thickness direction (26). The decoupling void (30) does not have a drop (102). The grooves (32, 104, 116) have drops (108, 110) that do not open into the decoupling void (30), but the main section of the grooves (32, 104, 116) above the drops (108, 110) does in fact open into the decoupling void (30). The grooves (32, 104, 116) including the drops (108, 110) extend to the sacrificial rib (20), but do not extend or open onto the upper surface (22). The shapes and sizes of the cross-sections of the drops (108, 110) are not constant along their entire length, but change so that they become larger as the drops (108, 110) move from the raised rib (16) under the void of Petition 870220049212, dated 03 / 06 / 2022, pp. 37 / 71 23 / 28 decoupling (30) and on the sacrificial rib (20) so that they are large at their termination on the sacrificial rib (20) at the end of the grooves (32, 104, 116). The second decoupling void grooves (100, 114) have drops (112) and again do not extend below the lower location (106) in the thickness direction (26). It should be understood that the grooves (100, 114) may extend to the lower location (106), but not below the lower location (106) in the thickness direction (26), according to other exemplary embodiments. The distance (132) from the second decoupling void groove (100) to the lower surface (14) is greater than the distance (78) and is greater than the distance (76). All the drops (112) of the grooves (100, 114) open into the decoupling void (30).The disclosed arrangement provides greater spacing between grooves in the lower part of the decoupling void (30) in the circumferential direction (28), but includes closer groove spacing on the upper surface (18) in the circumferential direction (28). All drops (108, 112, 110) of all grooves of the decoupling groove (32, 100, 104, 114, 116) are of the same size and shape on the upper surface (18) and do not increase in size after their extension from the upper surface (18).

[0067] Figures 31 to 34 show another exemplary embodiment of the tread (12) in which the various decoupling void grooves again have an alternating sequence in which the grooves extending closer to the bottom surface (14) and below the decoupling void (30) are located between the grooves that do not extend below the bottom of the decoupling void (30) so that the decoupling void has the same or greater distance in the thickness direction (26) to the bottom surface (14). None of the decoupling void grooves have drops, and the decoupling cavity (30) also does not have a drop (102) at its bottom. As shown in Figure 31, the second decoupling void groove (100) extends to the bottom location (106) in the thickness direction (26) so that the distances (76, 132) are identical. The distance (78) is less than both distances (76, 132).The first and third decoupling void slots (32, 104) extend into the sacrificial rib (20) and are open on the upper surface (22). Petition 870220049212, dated 03 / 06 / 2022, pp. 38 / 71 24 / 28

[0068] The first decoupling void groove (32) has a first portion (44) on the upper surface (18) which is oriented at the first width angle (46) to the width direction (24) which is not zero degrees. The first portion (44) extends in the thickness direction (26) to the lower location (106) and thus along the entire decoupling void (30), at which point the first portion (44) transitions into a second portion (48). The second portion (48) of the first decoupling void groove (32) is located under the decoupling void (30) and is on the sacrificial rib (20) and is oriented at a second width angle (50) to the width direction (24). The second width angle (50) is smaller than the first width angle (46) and therefore has a different magnitude from it and is at a magnitude which is not zero.Although two portions (44, 48) with two distinct width angles (46, 50) are shown, the first decoupling void groove (32) may have any number of portions and width angles in other embodiments. The second successive decoupling void groove (100) has a first section (120) that is on the upper surface (18) and that is oriented with respect to the width direction (24) at a width angle from the first section (122) that is not zero degrees. The angles (122 and 46) may be the same in some embodiments. At some point in the extension of the second decoupling void groove (100) in the thickness direction (28) before reaching the lower location (106), the first section (120) transitions into a second section (124) that extends to the lower location (106). The second section (124) has a width angle of the second section (126) with respect to the width direction (24) that is not zero degrees.The second section width angle (126) may have the same magnitude as the second width angle (50) or may be of a different magnitude. Again, although two sections (120, 124) with two width angles (122, 126) are shown, any number may be present in other embodiments. The third decoupling void slot (104) may be configured in the same manner as the first decoupling void slot (32), as discussed earlier in relation to the two or more portions (44, 48) and their width angles (46, 50). The void slots of. Petition 870220049212, dated 03 / 06 / 2022, pp. 39 / 71 25 / 28 additional decoupling (114, 116) can also be arranged similarly to the corresponding first and third slots (32, 104) or to the corresponding second decoupling void slot (100), so that they have variable width angles.

[0069] Figure 35 is a cross-sectional view of another exemplary embodiment of the tread (12) in which successive decoupling void grooves alternate in their extent towards the lower surface (14) so ​​that a greater spacing between the grooves is provided in the lower part of the decoupling void (30). The embodiment of Figure 35 illustrates how the various grooves can be configured as inclined towards the thickness direction (26) so that they extend from the upper surface (18) in the thickness direction (26) in a direction opposite to the rolling direction (80). The first decoupling void groove (32) has a first portion (44) that extends from the upper surface (18) and is oriented at a first thickness angle (52) towards the thickness direction (26) which is not zero degrees. The first portion (44) extends in an angular direction opposite to the rolling direction (80).The first portion (44) extends below the lower location (106) in the thickness direction (26) and then transitions to a section portion (48) that has a second thickness angle (54) with a magnitude different from the first thickness angle (52). The first portion (44) can extend a greater distance in the thickness direction (26) than the amount of extension of the second portion (48) in the thickness direction (26). The third decoupling void slot (104) can be arranged similarly to the first decoupling void slot (32) with respect to the angled portions (44, 48). Furthermore, the remaining decoupling void slots (116) can be configured in the same way as the first and third decoupling void slots (32, 104).

[0070] The second decoupling void groove (100) has a first section (120) that extends from the upper surface (18) and is oriented at a thickness angle from the first section (128) to the thickness direction (26) that is not zero degrees. The first section (120) transitions into a second section (124) that Petition 870220049212, dated 03 / 06 / 2022, pp. 40 / 71 26 / 28 extends to the lower location (106) so as to end at the same distance (132) to the lower surface (14) as the distance (76) and does not extend below the lower location (106) relative to the thickness direction (26). The second section (124) is oriented at a second section thickness angle (130) to the thickness direction (26) which is not zero degrees. The angles (128 and 130) may be different from each other and are not of the same magnitude. The first section thickness angle (128) may have the same magnitude as the first thickness angle (52), so that the first portion (44) and the first section (120) are oriented in the same way relative to the thickness direction (26). However, the angles (52 and 128) may be different in magnitude from each other in other embodiments. The second section thickness angle (130) can be of the same magnitude as the second thickness angle (54) or they can be of different magnitudes in other embodiments.The first section (120) can extend for a greater distance in the thickness direction (26) than the second section (124). The remaining odd-numbered decoupling void slots (114) can be arranged in the same way as the second decoupling void slot (100).

[0071] Figures 36 and 37 show a three-dimensional view of the decoupling void (30), the first decoupling groove (32), the second decoupling groove (100), the third decoupling groove (104), and a plurality of successive decoupling grooves of even and odd numbers (114, 116). All grooves are angled with respect to the thickness direction (26) and are successively evenly spaced from each other in the circumferential direction (28). The grooves (32, 104, 116) encircle the decoupling void (30) and terminate in the drop (102) on an opposite side of the decoupling void (30) so that the grooves (32, 104, 116) form a bridge under the decoupling void (30). The second decoupling void grooves (100, 114) do not bridge under the decoupling void (30), but instead terminate at the drop (102) without extending to the lower location (106) of the drop (102).The size of the groove drops (32, 104, 116) increases with their extent from the upper surface (118) to their termination at the sacrificial rib (20) as. Petition 870220049212, dated 03 / 06 / 2022, pp. 41 / 71 27 / 28 shown. In this embodiment, the increase is in the spring rib (16) up to its maximum size, at which point the maximum size remains along most of the drop (102), under the drop (102) and in the sacrificial rib (20) without further increase. The size of the drops (100, 114) is consistent along their entire length and does not change size.

[0072] The arrangement thus provides successive groove spacing on the upper surface (18) which is half the groove bridge under the decoupling void (30). Doubling the spacing between successive grooves at the bottom of the decoupling void (30) adds rubber / material to the bottom of the decoupling void (30) which improves the tire aggression performance (10) at this location at the bottom of the decoupling void (30). The smaller spacing of the grooves on the upper surface (18) and on the tread (12) of the upper surface (18) the indicated amounts improve irregular wear. The decoupling void slots (32, 100, 104, 114, 116) which are configured so that successive slots (32, 100, 104, 114, 116) are not identical to each other, but instead are different from each other, so that their amount of extension in the thickness direction (26) varies from one successive slot to another, can be constructed in various ways.For example, the same can be made in any of the same ways discussed earlier in this application regarding the construction of grooves for grooves that are all identical, i.e., successive grooves that are identical to each other. As such, it should be understood that the successive alternating depth grooves for extending the bridge spacing at the bottom of the decoupling void (30) as disclosed are only exemplary in form and size, and that other forms, sizes and configurations are possible according to other exemplary embodiments of the tread (12) and tire (10).

[0073] Although the present subject matter has been described in detail with respect to specific modalities and methods thereof, it will be appreciated that those skilled in the art, upon obtaining an understanding of the foregoing, may readily produce alterations, variations, and equivalents of these modalities. By Petition 870220049212, dated 03 / 06 / 2022, p. 42 / 71 28 / 28 Consequently, the scope of this disclosure is by way of example rather than limitation, and the disclosure in question does not preclude the inclusion of such modifications, variations and / or additions to the subject matter hereof, as might be apparent. Petition 870220049212, dated 03 / 06 / 2022, pp. 43 / 71

Claims

1 / 6 CLAIMS 1. Tread (12) for a heavy truck tire (10) having a width direction (24), a thickness direction (26), and a circumferential direction (28), characterized in that it comprises: a bottom surface (14); a raised rib (16) having a raised rib top surface (18); a sacrificial rib (20) having a sacrificial rib top surface (22), wherein the sacrificial rib (20) is located on the outside of the raised rib (16) in the width direction (24); a decoupling void (30) located between the raised rib (16) and the sacrificial rib (20) in the width direction (24), wherein the decoupling void (30) extends in the thickness direction (26);and a first decoupling void groove (32) that is in the raised rib (16) and that opens on the upper surface of the raised rib (18) and that opens into the decoupling void (30), wherein the first decoupling void groove (32) extends in the thickness direction (26), wherein the first decoupling void groove (32) is closer to the lower surface (14) than the decoupling void (30) is to the lower surface (14) in the thickness direction (26);a second decoupling groove (100) that is in the raised rib (16) adjacent to the first decoupling groove (32) in the circumferential direction (28), wherein the second decoupling groove (100) opens on the upper surface of the raised rib (18) and opens into the decoupling void (30), wherein the second decoupling groove (100) extends in the thickness direction (26) and is no closer to the lower surface (14) than the decoupling void (30) is to the lower surface (14) in the thickness direction (26);and a third decoupling void slot (104) that is in the raised rib (16) adjacent to the second decoupling void slot (100) in the circumferential direction (28) so that the second void slot of Petition 870260054124, dated 03 / 06 / 2026, page. 11 / 22 2 / 6 decoupling (100) is between the first and third decoupling void grooves (32, 104) in the circumferential direction (28), wherein the third decoupling void groove (104) opens on the upper surface of the raised rib (18) and opens into the decoupling void (30), wherein the third decoupling groove (104) extends in the thickness direction (26), wherein the third decoupling groove (104) is closer to the lower surface (14) than the decoupling void (30) is to the lower surface (14) in the thickness direction (26).; 2. Tread (12), according to claim 1, characterized in that the decoupling void (30) has a decoupling void drop (102), wherein the second decoupling void groove (100) extends to the decoupling void drop (102) in the thickness direction (26), but does not extend to a lower location (106) of the decoupling void (30) that is in the decoupling void drop (102) such that the decoupling void (30) is closer to the lower surface (14) than the second decoupling void groove (100) in the thickness direction (26).

3. Tread (12), according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the first decoupling void groove (32) is located on the sacrificial rib (20), wherein the second decoupling void groove (100) is not located on the sacrificial rib (20) and wherein the third decoupling void groove (104) is located on the sacrificial rib (20).

4. Tread (12), according to claim 3, characterized in that the first decoupling void groove (32) has a first drop portion (108) extending from the raised rib (16) to the sacrificial rib (20) and is larger in size at the sacrificial rib (20) than at the raised rib (16), and in that the third decoupling void groove (104) has a third drop portion (110) extending from the raised rib (16) to the sacrificial rib (20) and is larger in size at the sacrificial rib (20) than at the rebound rib (16).

5. Tread, according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it further comprises numbered decoupling void grooves (114, 116) which, together with the first, second and third decoupling void grooves (32, 100, 104), extend completely around the raised rib (16) in the circumferential direction (28), wherein all even and odd numbered decoupling void grooves (114, 116) are spaced from each other in the circumferential direction (28); wherein all odd-numbered decoupling void slots (116) are open on the upper surface of the raised rib (18) and are open in the decoupling void (30), wherein all odd-numbered decoupling void slots (116) are closer to the lower surface (14) than the decoupling void (30) is to the lower surface (14) in the thickness direction (26);wherein all even-numbered decoupling void slots (114) are opened on the upper surface of the raised rib (18) and are open in the decoupling void (30), wherein the even-numbered decoupling void slots (114) are no closer to the lower surface (14) than the decoupling void (30) is to the lower surface (14) in the thickness direction (26).

6. Tread (12), according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it further comprises: an intermediate rib (34), wherein the raised rib (16) is located on the outside of the intermediate rib (34) in the width direction (24); and a raised tread groove (36) that is located between the intermediate rib (34) and the raised rib (16) in the width direction (24), wherein the raised tread groove (36) extends in the thickness direction (26), wherein the raised tread groove (36) and the first and third decoupling void grooves (32, 104) are located at the same distance from the bottom surface (14) in the thickness direction (26). Petition 870260054124, dated 03 / 06 / 2026, page 13 / 22 4 / 6 7. Tread (12), according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the first decoupling void groove (32) extends in the width direction (24) to a first furthest outer extension (38) from the first decoupling void groove (32), wherein no portion of the decoupling void (30) is more outer in the width direction (24) than the first furthest outer extension (38) from the first decoupling void groove (32); wherein the third decoupling void groove (104) extends in the width direction (24) to a third furthest outer extension (118) from the third decoupling void groove (104), wherein no portion of the decoupling void (30) is more outer in the width direction (24) than the third furthest outer extension (118) from the third decoupling void groove (104).

8. Tread (12), according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the first decoupling void groove (32) is located on the sacrificial rib (20) and extends in the width direction (24) so ​​as to have a first furthest outer extension (38) which is external to the decoupling void (30) in the width direction (24); wherein the third decoupling void groove (104) is located on the sacrificial rib (20) and extends in the width direction (24) so ​​as to have a third furthest outer extension (118) which is external to the decoupling void (30) in the width direction (24); and wherein the second decoupling void groove (100) is not located on the sacrificial rib (20).

9. Tread (12), according to claim 8, characterized in that the first decoupling void groove (32) is open on the upper surface of the sacrificial rib (22) and in that the third decoupling void groove (104) is open on the upper surface of the sacrificial rib (22), wherein the second decoupling void groove (100) is not open on the upper surface of the sacrificial rib (22). Petition 870260054124, dated 03 / 06 / 2026, page 14 / 22 5 / 6 10. Tread (12), according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the first decoupling void groove (32) extends in the width direction (24), such that a first portion (44) of the first decoupling void groove (32) is located on the raised rib (16) and is oriented at a first width angle (46) that is not zero degrees with respect to the width direction (24) and in that a second portion (48) of the first decoupling void groove (32) is oriented at a second width angle (50) that is not zero degrees with respect to the width direction (24), in that the first width angle (46) is different from the second width angle (50) and in that the second portion (48) extends closer to the bottom surface (14) in the thickness direction (26) than the decoupling void (30).

11. Tread (12), according to claim 10, characterized in that the second decoupling void groove (100) extends in the width direction (24) such that a first section (120) of the second decoupling void groove (100) is located on the raised rib (16) and is oriented at a width angle from the first section (122) which is the same as the first width angle (46) and wherein a second section (124) of the second decoupling void groove (100) is oriented at a second section width angle (126) which is not zero degrees with respect to the width direction (24), wherein the width angle of the first section (122) is different from the width angle of the second section (126), and wherein the second section (124) is closer to the bottom surface (14) than the first section (120) is to the bottom surface (14) in thickness direction (26).

12. Tread (12), according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the first decoupling void groove (32) extends in the thickness direction (26) such that a first portion (44) of the first decoupling void groove (32) is oriented at a first thickness angle (52) that is not zero degrees relative to the thickness direction (26), and wherein a second portion (48) of the first decoupling void groove (32) is oriented at a second thickness angle (54) that is not zero degrees relative to the thickness direction (26), wherein the first thickness angle (52) is different from the second thickness angle (54).

13. Tread (12), according to claim 12, characterized in that the second decoupling void groove (100) extends in the thickness direction (26) such that a first section (120) of the second decoupling void groove (100) is oriented at a first section thickness angle (128) which is the same as the first thickness angle (52) of the first portion (44) of the first decoupling void groove (32), and wherein a second section (124) of the second decoupling void groove (100) is oriented at a second section thickness angle (130) which is not zero degrees with respect to the thickness direction (26), wherein the thickness angle of the first section (128) is different from the thickness angle of the second section (130). Petition 870260054124, dated 03 / 06 / 2026, p. 16 / 22

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