# US 8,770,540 B2 · Device and method for manufacturing tire tread features

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- Number: US 8,770,540 B2
- Document ID: US8770540B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 13/318,618
- Filed: 2009-08-20
- Published: 2012-05-31
- Granted: 2014-07-08
- Earliest claimed: 2009-08-20
- Assignees: Michelin Recherche et Technique S.A.; Compagnie Generale Des Etablissements Michelin
- Applicants: Damon Christenbury; Jonathan Jewell
- Inventors: Damon Christenbury; Jonathan Jewell
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US8770540B2

## CPC

- B29D 30/0606: {Vulcanising moulds not integral with vulcanising presses (for solid tyres B29D30/02)}
- B22D 19/00: Casting in, on, or around objects which form part of the product (B22D23/04 takes precedence; alumino-thermic welding B23K23/00; coating by casting molten material on the substrate C23C6/00)
- B29D 30/0662: {Accessories, details or auxiliary operations}
- B29D 2030/0612: {Means for forming recesses or protrusions in the tyres, e.g. grooves or ribs, to create the tread or sidewalls patterns}
- B29D: PRODUCING PARTICULAR ARTICLES FROM PLASTICS OR FROM SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE (making granules B29B9/00; making preforms B29B11/00)
- B22D: CASTING OF METALS; CASTING OF OTHER SUBSTANCES BY THE SAME PROCESSES OR DEVICES (shaping of plastics or substances in a plastic state B29C; metallurgical processing, selection of substances to be added to metal C21, C22)

## 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.

## Claims

### Claim 1

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.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

A device for molding features into the tread of a tire as in claim 1, wherein said sleeve has a predetermined thickness and the tread feature comprises a sipe having a width matching the predetermined thickness of said sleeve.

### Claim 3 (depends on 1)

A device for molding features into the tread of a tire as in claim 1, the tire having a surrounding surface height, and wherein the length of the extension positions the tread feature above the surrounding surface height.

### Claim 4 (depends on 1)

A device for molding features into the tread of a tire as in claim 1, the tire having a surrounding surface height, and wherein the length of the extension positions the tread feature below the surrounding surface height.

### Claim 5 (depends on 1)

A device for molding features into the tread of a tire as in claim 1, the sleeve further comprising at least one aperture connected to the interior of the sleeve.

### Claim 6 (depends on 1)

A device for molding features into the tread of a tire as in claim 1, the sleeve further comprising at least one rib attached to an exterior of the sleeve.

### Claim 7 (depends on 1)

A device for molding features into the tread of a tire as in claim 1, wherein the sleeve is substantially cylindrical in shape so as to create a tubular tread feature.