Flexible molding device for manufacturing a sunken groove in a tire tread

摘要

A tire mold (30) and a molding device (10) for forming a sunken groove in a tire are provided. The molding device (10) includes one or more rigid elements (12) joined to a flexible member (16) along an attachment point (18) or line on the connecting surface of the rigid element (12). The flexible member (16) is formed from a flexible material, preferably a superalloy, or hyperelastic material. If multiple rigid elements (12) are utilized, the rigid elements (12) are closely spaced together such that a portion of the opposed walls (13) are in mating contact with an adjacent rigid element.