Multiple tread geometries for reduced tire tread noise

Abstract

A tire with reduced tread noise includes a tread having a plurality of base pitches arranged about the circumference of the tire in at least one pitch sequence. Each base pitch in the pitch sequence has a tread geometry defined by a plurality of load-supporting tread blocks separated or interrupted by grooves and/or sipes. The base pitches in the pitch sequence have different tread geometries to reduce the noise of the tire on the road surface. The grooves and/or sipes in each base pitch have common end points along the leading and trailing edges of the base pitches such that the grooves and/or sipes are continuous across the boundary between adjacent base pitches in the pitch sequence. Likewise, the grooves and/or sipes in each base pitch in one rib or row in the tire can have common end points along the edge between a base pitch in an adjacent rib or row, such that the grooves and/or sipes are continuous in the lateral direction as well. The base pitches formed in this manner can be arranged in a particular pitch sequence regardless of: (i) the individual tread geometry of each base pitch, or (ii) the particular sequence of base pitches. Moreover, the length of the base pitches in the circumferential direction can also be varied by known manners (e.g., random, sinusoidal) to further reduce the noise of the tire on a road surface.