HIGH-GRIP PROFILED TREAD SKIMS

摘要

A tire tread is provided that in an unworn state includes one or more tread features having a layer of a relatively softer, higher grip rubber material. This layer is formed from a first rubber composition that is provided as a skim or relatively thin layer at the contact surface of the tread feature. This skim provides the grip needed as the tire starts to warm up but can then wear away after an initial period of use so that the contact surface is eventually formed from a second rubber composition. This second rubber composition, in turn, provides the desired level of grip and acceptable wear at the higher temperatures that occur as the tire heats up from use. The layer of skim can be profiled depending upon the application and performance characteristics needed.