Abstract: A tire mold and a molding device for forming a sunken groove in a tire are provided. The molding device includes one or more rigid elements joined to a flexible member along an attachment point or line on the connecting surface of the rigid element. The flexible member is formed from a flexible material, preferably a superalloy, or hyperelastic material. If multiple rigid elements are utilized, the rigid elements are closely spaced together such that a portion of the opposed walls are in mating contact with an adjacent rigid element.

Abstract: A tire with a changing tread pattern is formed by first forming a tire having a tread, the tread having at least one circumferential or lateral groove. A wearable filler, having a configuration corresponding to at least a portion of the circumferential or lateral groove formed in the tire, is located in the radially outer portion of the circumferential or lateral groove or a portion of the circumferential or lateral groove, and secured within the grooves so as to create a groove void radially inward of the wearable filler, the void being exposed upon wear of the tire tread.