Method and apparatus for improved tread splicing
AssigneeBridgestone Bandag, LLC
InventorsRobert G. Otting, Terry A. Westaway
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A mold for molding a tire tread comprises a plurality of mold segments. Each of the plurality of mold segments includes an integer number of tread pitch repetitions. The plurality of mold segments are structured to be coupled to each other end-to-end so as to form the mold such that the mold includes an integer number of tread pitches. The mold also includes at least one mold end segment positioned on at least one end of the mold and has a mold end segment length shorter than a length of each of the plurality of mold segments.
Claims20
A mold for molding a tire tread, comprising:
- a plurality of mold segments, each of the plurality of mold segments including an integer number of tread pitch repetitions, the plurality of mold segments structured to be coupled to each other end-to-end so as to form the mold such that the mold includes an integer number of tread pitches;
- and
- at least one mold end segment structured to be positioned on at least one end of the mold, the mold end segment having a mold end segment length shorter than a length of each of the plurality of mold segments.
A curing press for forming a tire tread, comprising:
- a top press block;
- a bottom press block;
- at least one mold assembly between the top press block and the bottom press block, the at least one mold assembly comprising;
- a platen, and
- a mold, comprising:
- a plurality of mold segments, each of the plurality of mold segments including an integer number of tread pitch repetitions, the plurality of mold segments structured to be coupled to each other end-to-end so as to form the mold such that the mold includes an integer number of tread pitches;
- and
- at least one mold end segment structured to be positioned on at least one end of the mold, the mold end segment having a mold end segment length shorter than a length of each of the plurality of mold segments.
A method of forming a tire tread, comprising:
- assembling a plurality of mold segments end-to-end so as to form an elongate structure;
- adding an end segment piece to a first end of the elongate structure;
- attaching the plurality of mold segments and the end segment piece so as to form a unitary mold;
- and
- using the unitary mold in a pressing operation to form a tire tread.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.