The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Apr. 02, 1996
Filed:
Apr. 11, 1994
Rudy E Consolacion, Akron, OH (US);
Warren L Croyle, Wadsworth, OH (US);
The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, Akron, OH (US);
Abstract
A directional high performance pneumatic tire having improved wet traction has an annular aqua channel and lateral grooves which direct water from the footprint to the shoulder area of the tire to help prevent hydroplaning. The aqua channel has an extended U-shape wherein one wall of the aqua channel has a steeper incline than the other side of the aqua channel. At least one side of each aqua channel is defined by lugs of various lengths, and longer lugs of the lugs of various lengths extend into the aqua channels and have an inclined wall. The varying length of the lugs cause the aqua channel to vary in width, and the aqua channel, in the narrower portion varies in width from 7-12% of the tread width, and in the wider portion varies in width from 17% to 22% of the tread width. In a preferred embodiment, the aqua channel may have a step between its shoulder side and its center side wherein the shoulder side is higher by a distance d. In one illustrated embodiment, a center tread portion of the tire, bounded by an aqua channel and a center groove, and two lateral grooves, comprises a single block element.