Device for molding a keyhole sipe in a tire tread
US7661942B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 21, 2005 |
| Grant date | Feb 16, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 2, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S425/058
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The present invention provides for an improved device for molding keyhole sipes larger in size, i.e. sipes having a wider passage, than currently being formed in treads that will avoid damaging the tread during formation and removal thereof from a mold. The device includes an elongated deformable body member having a blade extending in a direction away therefrom and substantially along the length thereof. The body member also includes a stiffening member securely fixed in position therein that extends substantially the length thereof. The stiffening member provides a desired rigidity to the deformable body member, thereby limiting flexion along its length under the stress of a rubber formulation when the mold is closed during the molding process. Also, the deformable body member provides low stress on the tread when a slit of the keyhole sipe is pulled around the body member during removal of the tread from a mold.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.