Curing envelope for and method of retreading tires

Abstract

The present invention provides for proper air bleed without using air wicking fabric strips and/or the perforated polyethylene material or the like. Instead, an inside surface of a curing envelope is molded with a unique embossed pattern which is designed to channel to a vacuum valve, expeditiously, all the air being evacuated from between the outer surface of a tire and an inner surface of the envelope. Additionally, a valve base area is recessed so as to allow the air channels to open directly into the valve base area during evacuation. The envelope is also designed to accept various styles and designs of air valves. Another unique feature is the creation of a decorative pattern on the inside shoulder area of a tire by transfer of a surface feature from the envelope interior. This pattern provides a significant improvement in the appearance of the finished tire.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.