Device and method for manufacturing tire tread features

Abstract

A device and method for manufacturing features into the tread of a tire are provided. The device and method provide for manufacturing tread features of various shapes and sizes. The tread features may be recessed, protruding, or flush with respect to the surrounding tread surface. The device and method may be used for both new tire constructions as well as retreading operations.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A process for molding features into the tread of a tire comprising the steps of:
 creating an aperture in a mold element;   providing a molding device, said molding device comprising a sleeve formed in the shape of a selected tread feature and an insert received into the sleeve;   placing the molding device into the aperture of the mold element;   loading a material, in a fluid state, against the mold element and the molding device;   allowing the material to harden;   separating the mold element from the hardened material;   removing the insert from the sleeve while leaving the sleeve positioned in the hardened material; and   using the sleeve to form the selected tread feature in the tread of a tire.   
     
     
         2 . A process for molding features into the tread of a tire as in  claim 1 , wherein the material of said loading step comprises plaster or a plaster-based material. 
     
     
         3 . A process for molding features into the tread of a tire as in  claim 1 , wherein the material of said loading step comprises aluminum. 
     
     
         4 . A process for molding features into the tread of a tire as in  claim 1 , wherein the sleeve defines a sleeve length, and an interior having a sleeve interior width, and wherein the insert comprises a cap and an extension, the extension configured for mating receipt into the interior of the sleeve, the extension having a length that is less than the sleeve length, the cap located adjacent to the extension and positioned at an end of the insert, the cap being wider than the sleeve interior width so as to predetermine the amount of the insert that can be received in the sleeve. 
     
     
         5 . A process for molding features into the tread of a tire as in  claim 4 , the time having a surrounding surface height, and wherein the length of the extension positions the tread feature above the surrounding surface height. 
     
     
         6 . A process for molding features into the tread of a tire as in  claim 4 , the tire having a surrounding surface height, and wherein the length of the extension positions the tread feature below the surrounding surface height. 
     
     
         7 . A process for molding features into the tread of a tire as in  claim 4 , the sleeve further comprising at least one aperture connected to the interior of the sleeve. 
     
     
         8 . A process for molding features into the tread of a tire as in  claim 4 , the sleeve further comprising at least one rib attached to an exterior of the sleeve. 
     
     
         9 . A process for molding features into the tread of a tire as in  claim 4 , wherein the sleeve is substantially cylindrical in shape. 
     
     
         10 . A process for molding features into the tread of a tire as in  claim 1 , the tire having a surrounding surface height, further comprising the step of determining a length for the insert so as to provide a tread feature that is recessed, protruding, or flush with respect to the surrounding surface height.