Abstract: A mold twist lock apparatus comprising a securing pin having a distal end and a proximal end on a longitudinal axis of the securing pin, the proximal end having a hole therethrough, a coaxial spring positioned about the proximal end of the securing pin, a cross pin disposed through the hold in the proximal end of the securing pin, the cross pin having an enlarged end and a second spring positioned between an extension of the securing pin and the enlarged end of the cross pin.

Abstract: A method for forming a clay slab includes providing a frame, a first panel supported on the frame in a vertical orientation and a second panel supported on the frame in a vertical orientation, with the first panel and the second panel defining a gap therebetween. The method further includes positioning a block of clay adjacent the gap defined by the first panel and the second panel, moving at least one of the first panel and the second panel from an initial position to an intermediate position to draw the block of clay between the first panel and the second panel and thereby form the clay slab, and moving at least one of the first panel and the second panel from the intermediate position back to the initial position to withdraw the clay slab from between the first panel and the second panel.

Abstract: A tire curing mold capable of operating between open and closed positions includes a first plurality of translatable sections, the sections translatable between open and closed positions and one or more first side plates positioned for engagement with the first plurality of translatable sections when the sections are in the closed position. The tire curing mold also includes a first mold back ring slidably engaging the first plurality of sections and slidably attached to a first base plate, and a first plurality of displacement members extending between the first base plate and the first mold back ring, the one or more displacement members applying a closing force against the first mold back ring to force the first plurality of translatable sections into the closed position.

Abstract: Provided are a apparatus and a method for vulcanizing a pneumatic tire, where are capable of: smoothly releasing a vulcanized pneumatic tire from multiple sectors separated from one another in a circumferential direction in each of an upper mold and a lower mold; and thereby lightening load on each mold. In addition to springs for biasing the sectors to always move into a smaller diameter, respectively, pushpins for moving the sectors into larger and smaller diameters are actuated by the respective cylinder rods of drive cylinders, and thereby the movements of the individual sectors into the larger and smaller diameters are controlled. Accordingly, even though the sectors would otherwise move abruptly into the smaller diameter due to biasing forces of the springs after the vulcanized tire is released from the sectors at the larger diameter, a radius-reducing movement speed of the sectors is control led by the cylinder rods in contact with rear ends of the push pins.

Abstract: A tooling apparatus for attaching a mold sector to a mold back, the tooling apparatus comprising a frame, a clamping mechanism on the frame for securing the frame to the mold back, at least one fastener positioned on the frame for providing a clamping force to the clamping mechanism for fixing the frame in position on the mold back, a slide assembly slidably engaged with the frame, a biasing mechanism for positioning the slide assembly on the frame and an attaching mechanism for attaching the slide assembly to the mold sector.

Abstract: The vulcanizing mold (10) for a tire comprises: a frame (24), two lateral shells (26, 28), a plurality of segments (30), coupling means (34) comprising a lever (36), means (37) for linking the lever (36) to the segment (30) which comprise a pivot link with an axle (38), means (43) for linking the lever (36) to the driving shell (26) which comprise a pivot link with an axle (44), guide means (45) for the axle (44) of the means (43) for linking the segment (30) to the driving shell (26), the coupling means (34) and the guide means (45) being arranged such that the axial displacement of the driving shell (26) with respect to the frame (24) causes a displacement of the axle (38) of the means (37) for linking the lever (36) to the segment (30) which is substantially exclusively radial with respect to the driving shell (26).

Abstract: In a tire vulcanization forming mold which is circumferentially divided into a plurality of segment molds, a plurality of circumferential grooves are formed on each segment mold with spaces in a tire width direction; arc-shape mold blocks are detachably fitted respectively in the plurality of circumferential grooves; a plurality of slit grooves are formed on each mold block to open on side surfaces of the mold block; tread pattern forming blades are detachably inserted into these slit grooves in the tire width direction; and coming-off prevention engaging portions are provided on the slit grooves and the blades. Thus, the tire vulcanization forming mold is capable of enabling the blades to be replaced easily with respect to the segment molds.

Abstract: A tire forming mold has a side mold portion and an annular mold portion fitted to an outer side in a tire diametrical direction of the side mold portion at a time of clamping the mold, wherein the annular mold portion is constructed by a combination of sectors which are divided in a tire circumferential direction, and each of the sectors is capable of displacing in the tire diametrical direction, wherein a fitting diameter of the annular mold portion is set to be equal to or more than a fitting diameter of the pair of side mold portions, an annular rubber introduction groove extending along the tire circumferential direction is provided at least in one of a fitting surface of the annular mold portion and a fitting surface of the pair of side mold portions, and a shallow groove portion is formed in an introduction port of the rubber introduction groove.

Abstract: An apparatus for molding a tire includes a first mold section having a first cavity, with an annular ridge disposed thereon. The apparatus also includes a second mold section having a second cavity. A plurality of lugs are removably attached to the first mold section. The apparatus further includes a ring having a plurality of projections, wherein the lugs retain the ring in a fixed position against the first mold section about the annular ridge.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tire curing mold comprising at least one lining element for molding the tread of said tire, said lining element comprising at least one bead for molding a groove in the tread. The curing mold comprises at least one insert forming a portion of the bead, said insert partially or completely delimiting a slot extending into the depth of the bead. The slot is oriented substantially perpendicularly to the bead. The slot is configured in order to mold a flexible wall of reduced thickness made as one piece with at least one wall of the groove molded by the bead.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire tread has tread elements formed by circumferential and/or lateral grooves. At least one tread element has a sipe that devolves from a constant width sipe having a three dimensional aspect in at least a portion of the radially outer portion of the sipe to a wider width groove at the base of the tread feature.

Abstract: A container mold exchanging apparatus includes: a container support body which supports the jacket of the container from which the lower sidewall mold is separated; a gripping mechanism which includes upper and lower gripping members and grips each tread mold so as to be interposed between the upper and lower gripping members in the vertical direction; first and second driving mechanisms which respectively elevate the upper and lower gripping members; a third driving mechanism which expands or contracts the upper and lower gripping members in the radial direction of the container; and a fourth driving mechanism which moves the gripping mechanism along the axis of the container relative to the container support body.

Abstract: A vacuum container for a tyre curing mold having two sidewalls and a number of lateral sectors; the container having an inclined-surface actuating device, which moves the lateral sectors radially, is activated by a press having a movable plate with a central airtight chamber, and has, for each lateral sector, a wedge integral with the lateral sector, and a conical bell fitted in sliding manner to the wedges; and the container having: an air shut-off plate integral with the movable plate of the press to transmit motion to the conical bell; an adjusting ring integral with the air shut-off plate and the conical bell; a static first annular seal interposed between the conical bell and the adjusting ring; and a static second annular seal interposed between the air shut-off plate and the movable plate of the press.

Abstract: Provided is a bisplit mold for tire forming capable of avoiding the pinching of the unvulcanized tire at the mold clamping. Also provided is a process for manufacturing a tire by use of the bisplit mold. The bisplit mold includes: a plurality of segments provided to each of the paired containers, and formed by being divided in the tire circumferential direction and; opening-closing means provided to the respective containers, cause the superior and the inferior segments to come close to and separate away from each other, the segments being attached to the pair of containers with vertically bisplit center plates placed between the pair of containers; a superior side plate and an inferior side plate provided respectively to the pair of containers; and vertically bisplit mold pieces provided to the inner sides of the segments.

Abstract: The present invention differs fundamentally from prior art because it provides for machining a substantial number of relatively thin annular tooling plates (10), fitting them together side-by-side in two opposed mold sides, and engraving the tread pattern into the interior face of the assembled plates in two or more complementary mold parts to form a unique tire mold (12). In one form of the disclosed construction two halves are built up and internally engraved to form a two-piece clamshell mold. This building up of annular plates (10) applies also to the construction of segmented molds, wherein there are multiple complementary mold sections which are joined to provide a complete circumferential mold. Thus, the invention applies to both two-piece clamshell molds and segmented molds. The invention encompasses an all engraved mold and all venting (22) in the circumferential direction.

Abstract: An apparatus for molding and vulcanization of tyres for vehicle wheels includes a vulcanization press and a vulcanization mold associated with the press. The apparatus includes a pair of plates and a plurality of mold sectors that are mutually movable between an open condition and a closed condition; at least one plurality of sector carriers designed to support the mold sectors and movable together with the sectors; and a plurality of guide means on which the plurality of sector carriers slide for movement of the mold sectors from the closed condition to the open condition and vice versa, at least part of the sector carriers having at least one spring device designed to exert a thrust action adapted to ensure sliding of the sector carrier on the guide element in a substantially parallel direction.

Abstract: A green tire disposed on a toroidal support is introduced into a vulcanisation mold. The mold is closed through axial approaching of a pair of sidewall plates acting against the sidewalls of the tire. Circumferential sectors set to operate against the tire tread band are maintained spaced apart from the tread band itself during admission of a working fluid designed to press the tire against the toroidal support. Subsequently, the sectors are centripetally approached for penetration into the tread band concurrently with a step of full molding and vulcanisation of the tire carried out through admission of steam under pressure into the tire itself.

Abstract: Provided are a bisected mold for tire molding that enables manufacturing of high-performance tires and that at a mold clamping, avoids a tire from being pinched to thereby attain a yield enhancement; and a process for manufacturing a tire. Inside a container bisected into upper and lower parts in the state of mold opening, there are disposed a mold for tire molding and, along upper and lower side plates, an unvulcanized tire. After performing vulcanization molding of the unvulcanized tire while changing from this state to a state of mold clamping of sectors and segments split into a plurality of pieces in a circumferential direction of the unvulcanized tire through a driving device and a slide unit means, only the sectors are subjected to mold opening by use of a driving means while maintaining the state of mold clamping of the mold for tire molding and the segments by the driving device and the slide unit means, and subsequently taking the vulcanization-molded tire.

Abstract: An underground mine tire 20 having a nominal bead diameter of 20.0 inches or less has a carcass, a tread 25 and a pair of rubber sidewalls 23, each extending along the outer periphery of the carcass 21 below the tread 25. The tire 20 has a nominal bead width D greater than 8.50 inches and an overall diameter of less than 55 inches. The carcass 21 has at least one radial steel cord reinforced ply 24.

Abstract: Particular embodiments of the present invention include a contoured tire tread, and a mold and method for forming the contoured tread. In a particular embodiment, a mold is provided for forming a contoured tread, the mold including a first mold member and a second mold member. The first and second mold members are reversibly displaceable from each other from a first, closed position in which the first and second members substantially enclose a mold cavity, to a second open position in which the first and second members are displaced from each other. The first mold member contains a mold cavity adapted to contain a polymeric material and having inner wall members and sipe-forming members. The first mold member having a contoured mold cavity bottom surface, and the second mold member having a contoured molding surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for providing the upper and lower portions of two-part tire molds with an expansible opening to provide clearance for the insertion of green tires, in particular large green tires of the sort used on industrial or off-road vehicles. The tire mold according to the present invention provides a segmented tire mold wherein a plurality of circumferentially arranged segments that contribute to the shaping of the circumferential tread portion of a tire being molded are able to move in such a way as to include a radial and axial component of motion that provides a larger diameter for each of the two mold portions during the green tire loading operation. Thus the internal circumferential region of the top portion and of the bottom portion is able to expand in diametrical dimension when the two part tire mold is open.

Abstract: A curing mold for a tire. The curing mold is in the form of a hollow cylinder, and has two parallel opposite sidewalls defining the base walls of the curing mold and having respective inner retaining surfaces; and a number of lateral sectors arranged successively to define the cylindrical lateral wall of the curing mold. Each sidewall has at least one seat formed through the inner retaining surface, at the outer edge of the inner retaining surface; a movable member housed inside the seat and movable between an extracted position, in which the movable member projects at least partly from the seat, and a withdrawn position, in which the movable member is housed completely inside the seat; and at least one elastic push member for pushing the movable member out of the seat into the extracted position.

Abstract: A method may include the steps of: (a) providing a tire mold; (b) providing an extruder operatively connected to a head with a die assembly; (c) inserting at least a first compound into the first extruder; (d) forming an extrudate from the die assembly; (e) applying the extrudate directly from the die assembly into the tire mold to form a tire tread component; and, (f) controlling movement of the tire mold to correspond to the extrudate delivery.

Abstract: A tire forming mold in which a depression for forming a land portion of a tread surface is provided in a molding surface forming a tread pattern of a tire. The tire forming mold has a pocket provided in the depression, a block fitted into the pocket to form an exhaust chamber in an inner portion of the pocket and holding a laminated blade, which is formed by superposing thin plates, so that one end portion is exposed to the molding surface and the other end portion is exposed to the exhaust chamber, and an exhaust hole having one end portion is communicated with the exhaust chamber and the other end portion is communicated with a mold back face or a mold split face.

Abstract: The mold for molding a tire has the contact part 42 that contacts with the end surface in the circumferential direction of the adjacent pieces and the non-contact part 44 that does not contact with the end surface in the circumferential direction of the adjacent pieces at the end surface 40 in the circumferential direction of the piece 30 in the segments right after the mold of the cycle of the tire molding process in which the opening and closure of the mold are repeated is closed, and the non-contact part 44 is present in the inner side of the tire radial direction, the contact part 42 is present outside of the tire radial direction than the non-contact part, and right before the mold in the cycle of the tire molding process is opened, the end surface 40 in the circumferential direction of the piece 30 in the segments contacts with the end surface 40 in the circumferential direction of the adjacent pieces in the non-contact part 44.

Abstract: Provided are a bisected mold for tire molding that enables manufacturing of high-performance tires and that at a mold clamping, avoids a tire from being pinched to thereby attain a yield enhancement; and a process for manufacturing a tire. Inside a container bisected into upper and lower parts in the state of mold opening, there are disposed a mold for tire molding and, along upper and lower side plates, an unvulcanized tire. After performing vulcanization molding of the unvulcanized tire while changing from this state to a state of mold clamping of sectors and segments split into a plurality of pieces in a circumferential direction of the unvulcanized tire through a driving device and a slide unit means, only the sectors are subjected to mold opening by use of a driving means while maintaining the state of mold clamping of the mold for tire molding and the segments by the driving device and the slide unit means, and subsequently taking the vulcanization-molded tire.

Abstract: A reinforced blade for use in a tire vulcanization mold is provided. The reinforced blade, having a thickness of less than 0.030 inches, is configured to form a sipe in a tread of a tire in the tire vulcanization mold. The reinforced blade includes a main segment and a support segment extending from one end portion of the main segment of the reinforced blade and configured to support the end portion of the main segment of the reinforced blade in the mold during vulcanization.

Abstract: A die rib for a tire mold defines the inlets to vent passages of the mold through the sides of the die ribs so that the vent passages do not open through the contour surface of the mold. In one exemplary configuration, the invention provides a die rib having a vent inlet disposed along at least one side of the die rib. The vent inlet may be disposed along up to 80 percent of the length of the die rib with at least one foot disposed against the contour surface of the tire mold section.

Abstract: A container mold exchanging apparatus includes: a container support body which supports the jacket of the container from which the lower sidewall mold is separated; a gripping mechanism which includes upper and lower gripping members and grips each tread mold so as to be interposed between the upper and lower gripping members in the vertical direction; first and second driving mechanisms which respectively elevate the upper and lower gripping members; a third driving mechanism which expands or contracts the upper and lower gripping members in the radial direction of the container; and a fourth driving mechanism which moves the gripping mechanism along the axis of the container relative to the container support body.

Abstract: A metal mold for vulcanizing tire treads reliably preventing incorrect assembling of split pieces. The metal mold 1 for vulcanizing tire treads to form a tread of a tire, comprises a plurality of sector molds 3 equipped with a plurality of pieces 6 which are arranged on the inner circumferential surface of a casing 5 and are split in the circumferential direction in which a tread pattern of the tire is formed, wherein among the adjacent pieces 6 in the sector molds 3, a protuberance 8 is formed on the contact surface of the one piece 6, a dent 9 corresponding to the protuberance 8 is formed in the contact surface of the another piece 6, and the positions for forming the protuberance 8 and the dent 9 are differed for each of the adjacent pieces 6 in the sector molds 3.

Abstract: A tire has at least one tread wear indicator. Each wear indicator is a single mark that provides continuous information to the consumer, while changing its presentation based upon the amount of tread wear. The mold blade employed to form the ear indicator has a series of stacked portions, each portion having a different configuration, the configuration being constant for the length of each portion.

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.

Abstract: A sector is provided with a plurality of pieces divided in a tire circumferential direction, a back segment supporting a plurality of pieces, and an elastic body interposed between end surfaces in the tire circumferential direction of the pieces. In an unheated state before curing, since clearances C1 to C3 are provided between the piece and the back segment, and the piece is slidable in the tire circumferential direction, it is possible to suitably adjust a gap between the pieces to a uniform state without any deviation. Further, in a heated state at a time of curing, since the clearances C1 to C3 are reduced by a thermal expansion of the piece, and the piece is fixed to the back segment, the piece does not slide in the tire circumferential direction, and it is possible to prevent an attrition and a galling of the piece from being generated early.

Abstract: A segmented mold 2 for molding a tire 100 is described which has a central axis; plurality of radially movable tread forming segments; two sidewall forming plates, a top sidewall forming plate 8, and a bottom sidewall forming plate 6; a top locking ring 10 having a plurality of circumferentially spaced openings 30 for locking the segments 4, each opening for locking 30 providing a predetermined angular path 75 for radially contracting the segments 4 upon closing the mold 2 in a locked position. The segmented 2 mold for molding a tire 100 further has a bottom locking ring 20 having a complementary plurality of circumferentially spaced openings 30 for locking the segments 4, each opening for locking 30 providing a predetermined angular path for radially contracting the segments 4 upon closing the mold.

Abstract: In a tire mold 10, in which a tread molding section 12 for molding of a tread comprises a plurality of segments 18 divided in a tire circumferential direction and the respective segments are provided movably in a tire radial direction, ridges 20 for molding of transverse grooves T2 on a tread surface are protrusively provided at least at circumferential ends 23 of the segment 18 in a posture (more specifically, a posture in parallel to a direction M of movement of the segment) inclined outward to a direction toward a center Om of the segment so as to be away from a circumferentially central portion 22 of the segment as it goes toward tip ends thereof.

Abstract: In a tire curing forming mold in which an annular mold portion brought into contact with a tread portion of a tire is constructed by sectors divided in a tire circumferential direction, an end portion of the sector is constructed by a piece attachable to and detachable from a sector main body, and the piece is structured to include all ridge lines between an end surface of the sector and a tread forming surface provided on an inner peripheral side of the annular mold portion.

Abstract: The invention provides a segmented mold having a plurality of segments arranged to form an annular cavity to mold a tire. Each of the segments have an inner face for molding the tread, one or more channels, and one or more members received in each channel. The members are joined together to form a fluid manifold for circulating a fluid medium therein. Preferably, the channels are located on the outer radial surface of the segments.

Abstract: A mold and molding device for forming a sunken groove in a tire is provided. The molding device includes a thin flexible wire having one or more molded elastomer elements thereon. The flexible wire is preferably hyperelastic and the molded elastomer is preferably silicone rubber.

Abstract: A segmented mold comprising a plurality of segments is provided. The segments are arranged to form an annular cavity to mold a tire, the segments comprising an inner face for molding the tread, and an outer radial surface. The mold further includes a plurality of slide blocks located radially outwards of the segments. Each slide block may have flanged ends and an inner cavity for receiving a segment therein. One or more channels are provided between each segment outer surface and the adjacent slide block inner surface forming a fluid passageway, wherein each fluid passageway is joined together by a fluid connector to form a fluid manifold for circulating a fluid medium. Steam may be circulated in the fluid manifold during curing of the mold.

Abstract: A tread provided with a plurality of cutouts of essentially transverse orientation and characterized in that when new, some of the transverse cutouts form on the running surface hollowed zones of average width Lt greater than or equal to 2 mm and of maximum depth Pt at most equal to 80% of the thickness Pb of tread to become worn, the other transverse cutouts forming on the same running surface incisions of average width Li less than 2 mm and of depth Pi at most equal to Pt. A plurality of the incisions extending by hollowed zones such that after homogenous wear of the tread the volume V1 of the hollowed zones opening on to the new running surface is between 50% and 150% of the volume V0 formed by the hollowed zones when new.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for venting a mold for vulcanizing a tire is provided. The mold comprises a plurality of tread segments for forming the tread on a green tire, wherein each of said tread segments further comprises an outer cavity plate having an interior surface and an exterior surface, the cavity plate having a plurality of channels. Each of the channels has a vent hole extending from the channel to the exterior surface of the outer cavity plate, and a rib mounted over the channel. The adjoining surface of the rib mating with the interior surface of the cavity plate, wherein one of the mating surfaces has a roughened surface forming a vent passageway with the interior surface of the cavity plate for venting mold gasses from the interior of the mold to the exterior of the mold. The invention may further include a blade and blade passageway wherein the blade outer surface has a rough outer surface for forming a vent passageway with the blade passageway.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire comprises a tread portion provided with sipes, the sipes each having a zigzag configuration at any depth from the top of the sipe to a certain depth, and the zigzag configuration having vertexes Q1 on one side of the zigzag and vertexes Q2 on the other side of the zigzag, wherein as the depth increases from the top of the sipe to said certain depth, the vertexes Q1 shift in the longitudinal direction of the sipe and the direction of the shift is turned at least once such that the vertexes Q1 first shift towards one direction then towards the other direction, thereby describing a zigzag line extending from the top of the sipe to said certain depth and having at least one tuning point, but the vertexes Q2 describe lines which are linear or less zigzag when compared with the zigzag lines described by the vertexes Q1.

Abstract: A tread belt is molded and cured in a mold having a base plate and an inverted cup-shaped top plate. A plurality of inner segments are disposed in the mold. When the mold is closed outer surfaces of the inner segments form a cylindrical surface which is in contact with an inner surface of the tread belt. A first portion of the inner segments are follower segments, a second portion of the inner segments are leader segments, and means are provided for controlling radial movement of the inner segments. A plurality of outer segments are disposed in the mold. When the mold is closed the inner surfaces of the outer segments form a cylindrical surface which is in contact with an outer surface of the tread belt, and means are provided for controlling movement of the outer segments.

Abstract: A tire mold and a molding device for forming a sunken groove, sipe in a tire is provided. The molding device molding device comprises a flexible member and a blade element, the flexible member having a distal end for mounting to a tire mold, a radiused midsection and a second end, wherein a portion of the second end is embedded within the blade element, the blade element having a lower surface with a cutout to allow bending of the flexible member.

Abstract: A segmented mold 2 for molding a tire 100 is described which has a central axis; plurality of radially movable tread forming segments; two sidewall forming plates, a top sidewall forming plate 8, and a bottom sidewall forming plate 6; a top locking ring 10 having a plurality of circumferentially spaced means 30 for locking the segments 4, each means for locking 30 providing a predetermined angular path 75 for radially contracting the segments 4 upon closing the mold 2 in a locked position. The segmented 2 mold for molding a tire 100 further has a bottom locking ring 20 having a complementary plurality of circumferentially spaced means 30 for locking the segments 4, each means for locking 30 providing a predetermined angular path for radially contracting the segments 4 upon closing the mold.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire is cured and molded by a sectional type tire mold including an annular side mold section having a tread forming surface for forming a tread surface, the side mold section comprising a plurality of sectors into which the side mold section is divided along a circumferential direction of the side mold section. A tread surface, which has first regions formed by sector divisional position vicinity regions of the side mold section and second regions formed by sector divisional position distant regions of the side mold section, has lands defined by at least one circumferential groove which extends in a circumferential direction of the tire. Sipes which extend from the at least one circumferential groove into at least one of the lands with their extension ends located within the at least one land are disposed at predetermined intervals along the tire circumferential direction. The sipes comprise first sipes in the first regions and second sipes in the second regions.

Abstract: Both a mold blade for forming sipes and the sipe so formed in a tire tread element have three-dimensional portions. In the formed sipe, the three-dimensional portion creates a constant interlocking of the opposing sipe faces. The blade and the sipe have two radially adjacent rows of projections, wherein the projections are separated by a planar section, the planar section having a defined length and width.

Abstract: A degradable sipe blade for forming sipes in a tire tread, where the degradable material may be removed by exposure to water. A tire curing apparatus is also provided having a plurality of degradable sipe blades affixed to the mold surface within the tread pattern. In addition, a cured tire is provided having the degradable sipe blades embedded in the tread elements of the tire tread after removal of the cured tire from a curing mold. Further provided is a method for forming sipes in a tire tread using degradable blading.

Abstract: Provided are a tire forming mold which enables damage on ribs and blocks of a tire to be effectively prevented when the tire is removed from the tire forming mold in spite of a simple structure thereof, and a pneumatic tire producing method using the same. The tire forming mold according to the present invention is a two-division type of tire forming mold, including a mold main body for forming one side of the tire, wherein the mold main body is provided with a movable part which constitutes a part of a tread forming surface in the direction of the circumference thereof while the tire forming mold is being closed, and which can be moved while the tire is being removed from the tire forming mold.

Abstract: To form a fine slit having a width of 0.1 mm or less in each piece of a piece type tire mold, a plate-like shim member 44 having a width of 0.1 mm or less is inserted into a rubber mold 40A when a piece 40 is to be produced, a molten metal such as aluminum is injected into a plaster mold 40B to which the shim member 44 has been transferred and solidified to cast the piece 40, and the shim member 44 is removed from the piece 40 to which the shim member 44 has been transferred to form a slit having a width of 0.1 mm or less in the piece 40.