Back to results
US 8,770,540 B2Granted
Device and method for manufacturing tire tread features
AssigneesMichelin Recherche et Technique S.A., Compagnie Generale Des Etablissements Michelin
InventorsDamon Christenbury, Jonathan Jewell
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
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.
Claims7
A device for molding features into the tread of a tire, comprising:
- a sleeve formed in the shape of a selected tread feature, said sleeve defining a sleeve length and an interior having a sleeve interior width;
- an insert comprising a cap and an extension, the extension configured for mating receipt into the interior of said 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 said insert, the cap being wider than the sleeve interior width so as to predetermine the amount of said insert that can be received into said sleeve.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.