Abstract: The present invention comprises tire treads having sipes or other voids formed of non-curable inserts, as well as methods for forming sipes or other voids within a tread using non-curable inserts and apparatus for performing the same. Such methods include providing an uncured tread having a width and a thickness bounded by an outer side and a bottom side. Such methods further include providing a strip of non-curable material, the strip having a width and a length. Furthermore, such methods include inserting the strip of non-curable into the tread thickness from the tread outer side and to a predetermined depth within the tread thickness to form a void-forming insert within the tread thickness. Finally, these methods include curing the tread with the non-curable strip arranged within the tread thickness. The inserts may be folded, which may occur as the strips are inserted into the tread or prior to such insertion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method that allows the automatic and hands-free threading of a calender set of rolls comprising one or more pairs of rolls that have a nip between them by preventing the skim from sticking to a roll undesirably as it exits the nip. This is particularly useful during startup or when the continuous running of skim through the calender is interrupted or broken. This method also comprises steps that help prevent the interruption of the calendering process including the breaking of the skim being processed. The steps for startup include running the rolls to which the elastomeric mix is desired to stick at slower speeds than other rolls. The steps for maintaining continuous running of the calender after startup include running the rolls to which the elastomeric mix is desired to stick at faster speeds than other rolls.

Abstract: A tire having aggressive tread features with improvements in uniformity that can also improve endurance is provided along with a method and apparatus for manufacturing such a tire. The tire and its manner of manufacture can achieve a reduction or elimination of certain non-uniformities that can occur during the molding of large tread blocks. The reduction or removal of these non-uniformities can improve temperature performance to provide increased tire endurance. The present invention further relates to a tire made using such a method and that may have layers of different material properties for different tire performances. In one embodiment, a layering technique that creates tread blocks or lugs in close proximity to each other and that can run continuously is provided.

Abstract: A tire having aggressive tread features with improvements in uniformity that can also improve endurance is provided along with a method and apparatus for manufacturing such a tire. The tire and its manner of manufacture can achieve a reduction or elimination of certain non-uniformities that can occur during the molding of large tread blocks. This can improve temperature performance to provide increased tire endurance. The present invention further relates to a tire made using such a method and that may have layers of different material properties for different tire performances. In one embodiment, a layering technique that uses at least one layer extending across the full axial width of the tread and having scalloped or notched lateral or axial edges is provided. In yet another embodiment, tread blocks are built upon the scalloped layer(s) to provide more material where it is needed most to create tread features.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for forming a multi-layered tire component, the steps of the method including providing a mechanical system, the system including a plurality of cutting members; translating a sheet of material along a translation path through the mechanical system; cutting a first strip from the sheet with one or more of the plurality of cutting members, this step occurring during the step of translating; mechanically applying the first strip to a building surface, this step occurring during the step of translating; cutting a second strip from the sheet subsequent to the step of cutting the first strip, this step occurring during the step of translating; mechanically applying the second strip to a building surface, this step occurring during the step of translating.

Abstract: The present invention comprises tire treads having sipes or other voids formed of non-curable inserts, as well as methods for forming sipes or other voids within a tread using non-curable inserts and apparatus for performing the same. Such methods include providing an uncured tread having a width and a thickness bounded by an outer side and a bottom side. Such methods further include providing a strip of non-curable material, the strip having a width and a length. Furthermore, such methods include inserting the strip of non-curable into the tread thickness from the tread outer side and to a predetermined depth within the tread thickness to form a void-forming insert within the tread thickness. Finally, these methods include curing the tread with the non-curable strip arranged within the tread thickness. The inserts may be folded, which may occur as the strips are inserted into the tread or prior to such insertion.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for forming a multi-layered tire component, the steps of the method including providing a mechanical system, the system including a plurality of cutting members; translating a sheet of material along a translation path through the mechanical system; cutting a first strip from the sheet with one or more of the plurality of cutting members, this step occurring during the step of translating; mechanically applying the first strip to a building surface, this step occurring during the step of translating; cutting a second strip from the sheet subsequent to the step of cutting the first strip, this step occurring during the step of translating; mechanically applying the second strip to a building surface, this step occurring during the step of translating.