BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

[0001] This invention relates generally to tire tread molds having sipe-molding elements and tire treads formed there from, and more specifically, a tire tread mold configured to deter or impede damage to the molding elements and any corresponding disfigurement to the molded tire tread formed there from.

Description of the Related Art

[0002] Sipes (also referred to as "lamelles") are very narrow or thin voids arranged in a tire tread such that, during tire operation, opposing sides of the sipe contact to one another. Sipes are commonly formed using molding elements, which are referred to herein as "sipe-molding elements". These sipe-molding elements comprise relatively thin members, which are arranged within a mold cavity to form a sipe during molding operations. Due to the thin characteristics of a sipe-molding element, sipe-molding elements are susceptible to damage during tread molding operations using a tread mold.

[0003] It has been ascertained that sipe-molding elements can experience unintentional deformation and damage during molding operations. Such deformation can occur due to the imbalances in the volumetric flow of rubber at an end of a mold, where such mold includes a cavity for forming a demolding member operably attached to a tread cavity. An imbalance in the volumetric flow of rubber increases the density of the rubber, which in turn increases the force required to demold the tread from the tread mold. Therefore, due to the increase in demolding force and due to the presence of deformed sipe-molding elements, the sipe-molding elements may become further damaged when removing the molded tread from the mold during demolding operations. Additionally, the resulting product is dimensionally altered from the original product design, which may certainly impact tire performance, or even become damaged, which increases waste. Another result is the shortened life of the mold itself.

[0004] Accordingly, there is a need to provide a manner for reducing deformation of the tread mold during product forming and mold removal operations while reducing tread material waste. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Particular embodiments of the invention include a method of forming a tire, which includes a step of placing a volume of polymeric material within a tread strip mold. The mold has a molding cavity comprising a tread cavity and a demolding member cavity. The demolding member cavity further includes a buffer cavity and a demolding tongue cavity. The tread strip mold is configured to form a tire tread strip, where the tread cavity comprising one or more sipe- molding elements each extending in a direction of a depth of the tread cavity to a free edge defining an elevational height within the depth of the mold cavity. The demolding member cavity extends from one of a pair of opposing ends of the tread cavity, where the buffer cavity extends between and is fluidly connected to the tread cavity and the demolding tongue cavity. A barrier is arranged between the buffer cavity and the tread cavity, the barrier partially separating the demolding member cavity and the tread cavity. The barrier extends the substantial width of the tread cavity and extends to a height within the mold cavity at least elevationally equal to elevation of the free edge of the one or more sipe-molding elements. Such methods further include a step of method of distributing the volume of polymeric material at least partially within the molding cavity wherein an excess volume of polymeric material in the demolding member cavity is substantially restricted from transferring into the tread cavity by the barrier. Such methods further include a step of disengaging the demolding member formed by polymeric material within the demolding member cavity from the tread mold.

[0006] Embodiments of the invention further include a mold for forming a tire tread strip having a demolding member, the mold comprising: a length, a width, and a thickness for receiving a volume of polymeric material within a tread cavity and a demolding member cavity; the mold configured to form the tire tread strip where the tread cavity comprising one or more sipe- molding elements each extending in a direction of a depth of the tread cavity to a free edge defining an elevational height within the depth of the mold cavity, the tread cavity having a tread cavity length corresponding to a tread length, a tread cavity width corresponding to a tread width, and a tread cavity depth corresponding to a tread thickness and a mold thickness when in a closed position; the demolding member cavity extending from one of a pair of opposing ends of the tread cavity, the demolding member cavity comprising a demolding tongue cavity and a buffer cavity, the buffer cavity extending between and fluidly connected to the tread cavity and the demolding tongue cavity; and a barrier arranged between the buffer cavity and the tread cavity, the barrier partially separating the demolding member cavity and the tread cavity, the barrier extending the substantially width of the tread cavity and extending to a height within the mold cavity at least elevationally equal to elevation of the free edge of the one or more sipe- molding.

[0007] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following more detailed descriptions of particular embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numbers represent like parts of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] FIG. 1 is a partial perspective view of a tread strip mold having a mold cavity comprising a tread cavity and a demolding member cavity with a barrier partially separating the demolding member cavity and the tread cavity, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0009] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the demolding member cavity comprising a buffer cavity, a demolding tongue cavity, and a barrier, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0010] FIG. 3 is a top view of a tread strip mold having a mold cavity comprising a tread cavity and a demolding member cavity with a barrier partially separating the demolding member cavity and the tread cavity, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0011] FIG. 4 is a side sectional view of a tread strip mold of FIG. 3 having a mold cavity comprising a tread cavity and a demolding member cavity wherein a barrier is partially separating the demolding member cavity and the tread cavity, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0012] FIG. 5 is a side sectional view of a volume of polymeric material positioned in a tread strip mold having a mold cavity comprising a tread cavity and a demolding member cavity wherein a barrier is partially separating the demolding member cavity and the tread cavity, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0013] FIG. 6 is a side sectional view of a tire tread with a demolding member being removed from a tread strip mold having a mold cavity comprising a tread cavity and a demolding member cavity wherein a barrier is partially separating the demolding member cavity and the tread cavity, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0014] FIG. 7 is a side sectional view of a tire tread with a demolding member and a tire tread being removed from a tread strip mold having a mold cavity comprising a tread cavity and a demolding member cavity wherein a barrier is partially separating the demolding member cavity and the tread cavity, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0015] FIG. 8 is a top view of a volume of polymeric material placed in a tread strip mold with multiple first markings made on the polymeric material placed in the demolding member cavity before the step of distributing, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0016] FIG. 9 is a top view of a volume of polymeric material placed in a tread strip mold with multiple first markings made on the polymeric material placed in the demolding member cavity before the step of distributing and multiple second markings made on the polymeric material in the demolding member cavity after the step of distributing for identifying the displacement of the volume of polymeric material, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PARTICULAR EMBODIMENTS

[0017] Embodiments of the invention comprise methods and apparatus for molding a tire tread strip, and in particular embodiments, by optimizing a demolding member of a tread strip. The demolding member is configured to preserve and maintain the integrity of a tread mold, including sipe-molding members within the mold and sipes formed by the same, by controlling the desired polymeric material distribution within the tread mold and within the demolding member. This includes controlling the appropriate polymeric material flow during the tread molding processes and providing an adequate structure for automatic or manual demolding upon completion of the tread molding process. Additional embodiments of the invention comprise methods for determining the optimum demolding member of the tread for various embodiments.

[0018] In particular embodiments, a method for molding a tire tread includes placing a volume of uncured polymeric material within a tread strip mold, the mold having a mold cavity comprising a tread cavity in fluid communication with a demolding member cavity including a buffer cavity and a demolding tongue cavity. The volume of uncured polymeric material may comprise any desired uncured polymeric material, including any desired tire tread material, such as any natural or synthetic rubber. The tread cavity includes sipe-molding elements each configured to mold a sipe into the tread and groove-forming elements each configured to form a groove into the tread. The sipe-molding elements and the groove-forming elements may be constructed from any known material, such as steel, aluminum, or ceramic. The demolding member cavity comprises a buffer cavity and a demolding tongue cavity. The volume of polymeric material is placed into the tread strip mold and within the mold cavity when the tread strip mold is in an open position. After the uncured polymeric material is arranged within the mold, the mold is closed to encapsulate the material within the mold cavity. Heat is applied to the mold to allow the polymeric material to deform and adapt to the shape of the mold cavity, and to ultimately cure the polymeric material in its molded form. It is appreciated that the tread strip mold and all components may be formed of any desired material or materials, such as aluminum, steel, or ceramic.

[0019] The tread strip mold is configured to form a tire tread strip where the tread cavity comprises one or more sipe-molding elements. As noted above, the mold includes a mold cavity comprising a tread cavity in fluid communication with a demolding member cavity including a buffer cavity and a demolding tongue cavity. The tread cavity comprises a tread cavity length, a tread cavity width, and a tread cavity depth arranged within the tread strip mold. The tread cavity depth extends between opposing longitudinal sides of the tread cavity formed by the tread strip mold. By example, the opposing longitudinal sides may be formed by opposing mold members when in a closed configuration.

[0020] The tread strip mold is configured to form a tire tread strip comprising an elongate tire tread extending between a pair of opposing ends and a demolding member extending from one of the opposing ends of the tread. The tread has a tread length, a tread width and a tread depth. In certain embodiments, the tread length corresponds to the cavity length, the tread width corresponds to the cavity width, and the tread thickness corresponds to the cavity depth, upon removal from the tread cavity. However, in other embodiments, multiple treads may be formed within a single tread strip mold. It is further contemplated that the tire tread thickness may be further machined, cut or ground to a different thickness after the tire tread is formed within the tread strip mold or upon removal from the tread strip mold. The tire tread includes at least one or more sipes and optionally one or more grooves extending into the tread thickness.

[0021] Each sipe-molding element extends in a direction of the tread cavity depth to a terminal location, forming the height of the sipe-molding element. The sipe-molding elements additionally have a length and a thickness. The thickness extends in a direction transverse to both the height and length of the sipe-molding element. The thickness may be constant or variable. It is also appreciated that the length and/or height of the sipe-forming portion may extend along any linear or non-linear path, where a non-linear path may comprise any non-linear path, such as a curvilinear or undulating path, for example. "Undulating" connotes that the path alternatives between multiple changes in direction resulting in a plurality of peaks and valleys, for example. In other words, an undulating path zig zags back and forth multiple instances to provide two or more peaks or valleys (that is, two or more apexes or troughs). As noted previously, the non-linear path may be curvilinear, but may also comprise a plurality of linear segments, or any combination thereof, to form an effective non-linear path. In embodiments where sipes extend from grooves within the tread, groove-molding elements of any desired size and shape are also included within the tread cavity, from which sipe-molding elements may or may not extend.

[0022] The tread cavity may further comprise a demolding member cavity. The demolding member cavity extends from at least one of the pair of opposing ends of the tread cavity whereby the demolding member cavity is configured to form a demolding member connected to at least one end of the molded tread strip. The polymeric material forming the demolding member is connected to the tire tread such that it is utilized to pull the tire tread strip from the tread cavity and more generally the mold. It is appreciated that the tread strip may be pulled from the tread cavity manually or automatically, using any mechanism or process known to one of ordinary skill. For example, the tread may be removed from the tread cavity by pulling and rolling the demolding member over top a portion of the tread strip remaining in the tread cavity, so to pull one end of the tread strip towards the other end of the tread strip. In this manner, the tread strip is translated from the tread cavity by continually rolling and pivoting the portion being removed back over top of the portion of the tread strip remaining in the tread cavity. The demolding member is ultimately removed from the tread for forming a tire.

[0023] In one embodiment, the demolding member cavity comprises a demolding tongue cavity and a buffer cavity, the buffer cavity extending between and fluidly connected to both the tread cavity and the demolding tongue cavity. The demolding tongue cavity and the buffer cavity are each configured to receive polymeric material. The buffer cavity is configured to accept polymeric material and maintain and/or divert polymeric material that otherwise would transfer into the tread cavity The buffer cavity may extend beyond the width of the tread cavity, thereby providing a pathway to divert excess polymeric material. Additionally, the buffer cavity may further include one or more cavity filler members to control the volumetric capacity of the buffer cavity, where the volumetric capacity may be reduced with the addition of one or more cavity filler members to the buffer cavity and where the volumetric capacity may be increased with the removal of one or more cavity filler members from the buffer cavity. The demolding tongue cavity extends from the buffer cavity opposite the tread cavity, and is in fluid communication with the buffer cavity. The demolding tongue provides a mass sufficient for a demolding tool or device to penetrate and/or retain for pulling the tread strip from the mold. The buffer provides a sufficient mass to connect the demolding tongue to the tread and maintain such connection without tearing during demolding operations as a demolding tool or device is pulling the tread strip from the mold. In particular embodiments, the demolding tongue formed by the demolding tongue cavity is as short as possible to reduce the consumption of polymeric material, yet is sufficiently thick and wide to maintain a desired volume. It is appreciated that the demolding member cavity may be formed of one component or a plurality of components.

[0024] In particular embodiments, a barrier is arranged between the buffer cavity and the tread cavity, the barrier partially separating the demolding member cavity and the tread cavity. The barrier is arranged to restrict flow of polymeric material between the tread cavity and the demolding member cavity. In doing so, the barrier has a width and height configured to sufficiently restrict the flow as desired.

[0025] The barrier has a first end and a second end defining a width of the barrier to partially fill or close a passage extending between the tread cavity and the demolding member cavity. While the barrier width may be any desired width to sufficiently restrict the flow of polymeric material to the tread cavity from the demolding member cavity, which includes having a width less than a width of the tread cavity, in particular embodiments the width of the barrier is at least substantially equal to the width of the tread cavity. In particular instances, the width of the barrier is less than a width of the buffer cavity but is at least substantially equal to the width of the tread cavity. In yet further instances, a polymeric material overflow cavity is formed and extends from the buffer cavity when the width of the buffer cavity is greater than the width of the tread cavity. While the overflow cavity may extend in any direction or manner, in particular variations, the overflow cavity extends from the buffer cavity in a direction of the tread cavity length on each opposing lateral sides of the tread cavity Each overflow cavity is configured to receive an excess volume of polymeric material from the buffer cavity when the mold is in a closed configuration. Since the barrier at least partially separates the buffer cavity from the tread cavity, excess volume of polymeric material is at least partially restricted from transferring into the tread cavity by providing a path of least resistance into each overflow cavity

[0026] The barrier additionally has a height extending partially through a depth of the mold cavity to partially fill or close a passage extending between the tread cavity and the demolding member cavity While the barrier height may be any height sufficient to restrict the flow of polymeric material as desired from the demolding member cavity and into the tread cavity, in particular embodiments the height of the barrier extends at least to a depthwise extent or height of a sipe-molding element. Stated differently, the height of the barrier may extend from a base of the buffer cavity to an elevation that is at least equal to an elevation to which sipe-molding members arranged near the passage extend. In other embodiments, the barrier terminal end extends above the elevational extent or height of the sipe-molding elements, such as those arranged in the vicinity of the passage. In particular instances, for example, the tread cavity extends at least 3 millimeters (mm) more or at least 2 mm more than the height or elevational extent of the barrier. It is appreciated that the height of the barrier may vary or remain constant along the width (also referred to as length) of the barrier.

[0027] The barrier also has a thickness. The barrier thickness extends in the direction of the tread mold length, extending between the tread cavity and the demolding member cavity. While the barrier thickness may remain constant or vary in any direction, in particular embodiments the barrier thickness decreases as the barrier extends from the mold to a free end defining the barrier height.

[0028] In particular embodiments, the invention comprises a step of distributing the volume of polymeric material at least partially within the molding cavity wherein an excess volume of polymeric material in the demolding member cavity is at least partially restricted from transferring into the tread cavity by a barrier. In other embodiments, an excess volume of polymeric material in the demolding member cavity is substantially restricted from transferring into the tread cavity by a barrier. To facilitate the step of distributing, the volume of polymeric material is positioned within the molding cavity such that the tread strip mold is in the closed position. Pressure and/or heat is applied to the volume of polymeric material within the tread strip mold. The pressure and/or heat forces the volume of polymeric material to sufficiently fill and adapt to the shape of the mold cavity. Any excess volume of polymeric material moves to a location of least resistance. In one particular embodiment, the barrier separating the demolding member cavity and the tread cavity substantially prevents any excess volume of polymeric material from transferring from the demolding member cavity into the tread cavity (or, alternatively, from the tread cavity into the demolding member cavity) by forming a partial dam between the two cavities. By preventing this transfer of polymeric material, a desired density of the polymeric material within the tread cavity is substantially maintained, and the excess volume of polymeric material is maintained by the buffer cavity, which may include directing excess polymeric material into the above-mentioned overflow cavities.

[0029] In particular embodiments, the invention comprises the step of disengaging a demolding member formed by the polymeric material within the demolding member cavity. When the tread strip mold is in an open position, a manual or automatic demolding tool or device engages the demolding member for the purpose of demolding the tread strip from the mold. This step may be performed using any known tool, device, or process.

[0030] Embodiments of the present invention further comprise methods for optimizing or verifying the demolding member cavity to obtain a desired flow between the tread cavity and the demolding member cavity. This can be achieved in a variety of manners. For example, optimization may be achieved by calculation, where the volume of the demolding cavity is sufficiently sized to accommodate a desired amount of polymeric material to reduce or eliminate flow into the tread cavity. In particular exemplary embodiments, the volume of the demolding member cavity (which include sufficiently sizing the buffer cavity and the demolding tongue cavity) is calculated to accommodate substantially all or at least all or more than an amount of polymeric material configured to be molded outside the tread cavity and within the demolding member cavity. For example, the volume of the demolding member cavity is sized to substantially match or equal the molded volume of the demolding member, which may take into account any shrinkage that may occur.

[0031] In other exemplary embodiments, the volumetric flow or density of the tread strip is used to identify or verify the optimum volumetric size of the buffer cavity by increasing or decreasing the volume of the demolding member cavity wherein a displacement of the volume of polymeric material is substantially eliminated. The volume of the buffer cavity may be adjusted in any desired manner, such as by adjusting the length, width, or height of the buffer cavity To adjust the length of the buffing cavity, for example, the one or more inserts may be added or removed. In another variation, the buffer cavity is independent of the of the demolding tongue cavity and the tread cavity, thereby allowing the use of an alternative buffer cavity with different dimensions. In yet another variation, width wise or depth wise extensions may be added to or removed from the buffer cavity. In yet another variation, the material used to form the buffer cavity may be machined or patched to adjust the volume of the cavity. In still another variation, the buffer cavity may be adjustable using a relief valve for material to escape, a gauge for adjustment of the buffer cavity and/or a moveable base within the buffer cavity. Similar to the buffer cavity, the demolding tongue cavity and/or the primary cavity therein may be adjustable in the same manners identified above and below.

[0032] The volume of the buffer cavity may also be adjusted by adding or removing one or more volumetric filling members to or from the volume of the buffer cavity. Volumetric filling members can be made available in various sizes and shapes for application at any location within the demolding member cavity, or more specific embodiments, the buffer cavity. By example, volumetric filling members may comprise a 10 mm x 10 mm x 20 mm rectangle. Volumetric filling members may be fixedly or removable attached to the demolding member cavity using any mechanical means, including welds, screws, bolts, clamps, hooks, and adhesives. Similarly, the demolding member cavity can be configured to receive one or more volumetric filling members at predetermined locations.

[0033] Particular embodiments further include marking the volume of polymeric material with one or more first markings in the demolding member cavity before the step of distributing. The one or more first markings may be in any manner. For example, the first markings may be made to the surface of, or submerged at least partially into or fully within the volume of, the polymeric material prior to molding. In certain embodiments, each of the one or more first markings extend parallel to a line extending in a direction of the tread width and perpendicular to the tread length. It is contemplated, however, that the one or more first markings may be made in any direction such that the flow of the volume of polymeric material during molding operations can be identified. The one or more first markings may be made using any distinguishable markings, including colored rubber strips, ink, chalk, markers, paint, and tape, for example. Markings contained within the volume of polymeric material may be observed destructively by lacerating the molded material or non-destructively using any known material and apparatus for detecting the presence and location of the submerged material. The markings are applied before the volume of polymeric material is molded. The markings may be applied manually or automatically. An example of automatic application includes a stamp or dragging an applicator across the polymeric material surface. By further example, the markings may be applied by the mold, such as when the mold is reconfiguring from an open configuration to a closed configuration.

[0034] One particular embodiment includes marking the volume of polymeric material with one or more second markings in the demolding member cavity after the step of distributing. In this step, one or more second markings may be made to the surface of the polymeric material opposite the tread mold cavities when the tread strip is in the open position. The second markings are applied after the step of distributing. In one embodiment, and similar to the first markings, each of the one or more second markings extend parallel to a line extending in a direction of the tread width and perpendicular to the tread length. However, it is additionally contemplated that the one or more second markings may be made in any direction such that the movement of the flow of volumetric material can be deciphered, in comparison to one or more first markings. The one or more second markings are made on the volume of polymeric material located within the demolding member cavity, opposite the molding cavity. The one or more second markings may be made using any distinguishable markings including, colored rubber strips, chalk, markers, paint and tape. Similar to the one or more first markings, the markings may be applied manually or automatically. Examples include stamping, indenting or scoring. In one embodiment, the one or more second markings are made in the same location the one or first markings were made before the step of distributing.

[0035] In one particular embodiment, measuring a displacement of the volume of polymeric material between the one or more first markings and the one or more second markings. Upon marking the volume of polymeric material with the one or more first markings and, subsequently, the one or more second markings the displacement of the polymeric material, during the step of distributing, is measurable. By applying the one or more first markings and, subsequently, the one or more second markings, the movement of the polymeric material can be measured and quantified by using the first markings and the second markings as reference points. The reference points identify the position of the volume of polymeric material at each respective step. By identifying the movement of the polymeric material at the surface, exposed from the tread mold cavities, adjustments to the quantity of volume of polymeric material (i.e., increasing or decreasing) can be made before the step of placing the volume of polymeric material into the tread strip mold in a subsequent operation. Alternatively, the size of the mold cavities may be adjusted.

[0036] In one particular embodiment, to optimize the demolding member cavity, the steps of placing, marking with one or more first markings, distributing, marking with one or more second markings, measuring and identifying to eliminate the displacement of the volume of polymeric material may be repeated as needed. By repeating the steps, trial and error is utilized to isolate the displacement of the volume of polymeric material. This trial and error can be used for an entire line, or group of similar lines, of particular treads in manufacture, thereby, reducing any damage to the sipe-engaging members and optimizing the amount of polymeric material used in production.

[0037] Particular embodiments of the tread mold design to prevent mold damage and methods discussed above will now be described in further detail below in association with the figures filed herewith providing exemplary embodiments of the tread mold design and the performance of the methods.

[0038] With reference to FIGS. 1-4, a tread strip mold 10 is shown in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. The tread strip mold 10 includes a molding cavity 20 comprising a tread cavity 30 and a demolding member cavity 40. The tread strip mold 10 is configured to receive a volume of polymeric material for forming a tire tread strip. The demolding member cavity 40 extends from one of a pair of opposing ends of the tread cavity 30 and comprises a buffer cavity 50 and a demolding tongue cavity 60. The buffer cavity 50 extends between and is connected to the tread cavity 30 and the demolding tongue cavity 60. It is appreciated that the tread cavity 30, the buffer cavity 50 and the demolding tongue cavity 60 may be formed from a single structure. Alternatively, it is additionally appreciated that the tread cavity 30, the buffer cavity 50 and the demolding tongue cavity 60 may be formed of multiple components and attached to one another forming the molding cavity 20.

[0039] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-4, the tread cavity 30 comprises one or more sipe- molding elements 70 and groove-forming elements 74. The sipe-molding elements 70 and the groove-forming elements 74 extend away from a cavity base 80 in a direction of the tread cavity depth to a sipe free edge 90 arranged at a depthwise elevation within the tread cavity to define an elevational height of the sipe-molding element and groove-molding element, respectively. The cavity base 80 forms the ground engaging surface of the tire tread, including sipes and other molding features formed therein. The sipe-molding elements 70 are shown to extend lengthwise either along a linear path or along undulating, non-linear paths, although the sipe-molding elements may comprise any known sipe-molding element as contemplated above.

[0040] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-4, a barrier 100 is arranged between the buffer cavity 50 and the tread cavity 30. The barrier 100 partially separates the demolding member cavity 40 and the tread cavity 30. It is appreciated the barrier 100 may be a part of and formed with the buffer cavity 50 or the tread cavity 30. Alternatively, it is appreciated that the barrier 100 may be independent of the buffer cavity 50 and the tread cavity 30. In the embodiment shown, the barrier 100 extends substantially the width of the tread cavity 30 and extends substantially between a barrier base 110 and a barrier free edge 120 defining the barrier height within the molding cavity 20. With specific reference to FIG. 4, the barrier free edge 120 is shown to be elevationally aligned with the sipe free edge 90 of the sipe-molding elements 70 located near or in close proximity to passage 42, which fluidly connects the tread cavity 30 and the demolding member cavity 40, although other configurations are contemplated above. Demolding member cavity 40 is also shown to include a volumetric filling member 170 for adjusting the volume of the demolding member cavity 40 as necessary to control the flow of polymeric material between the tread cavity 30 and the demolding member cavity.

[0041] Turning to FIG. 2, the exemplary embodiment of the demolding member cavity 40 of FIG. 1 is shown in an exploded view. In this view, the demolding tongue cavity 60, the buffer cavity 50, and the barrier 100 are illustrated independent of one another. As indicated above, it is appreciated that the demolding member cavity 40 may be formed of multiple components, as illustrated here, or a single component.

[0042] With reference to FIGS. 5-7, the exemplary embodiment FIG. 1 is shown in a side sectional view with polymeric material 130 or a tire tread strip 200 being removed from the molding cavity 20. In particular, FIG. 5 illustrates polymeric material 130 within the molding cavity 20. FIG. 6 illustrates a tire tread strip 200 being removed from the molding cavity 20 by the demolding member 210 formed in the demolding member cavity 40. FIG. 7 illustrates a tire tread strip 200 being removed from the molding cavity 20 by pulling the demolding member 210 over the tire tread 190 position remaining in the molding cavity 20.

[0043] In FIG. 8, first markings 140 are shown on the polymeric material 130. The first markings 140 are located on the demolding member 210 opposite the demolding member cavity 40. In one particular embodiment, the first markings 140 are placed on the demolding member 210 before the step of distributing, as described above. Looking now to FIG. 9, second markings 150 are located on the demolding member 210 opposite the demolding member cavity 40. In another particular embodiment, the second markings 150 are placed on the demolding member 210 after the step of distributing. As illustrated in FIG. 9, the second markings 150 are located in the same location the first markings 140 were located before the step of distributing. A displacement 160 of the polymeric material from before the step of distributing to after the step of distributing can be identified and measured by the difference between the first markings 140 and the second markings 150. This measurement may be used to determine the optimum size of the demolding member cavity as discussed in greater detail above.

[0044] The terms "comprising," "including," and "having," as used in the claims and specification herein, shall be considered as indicating an open group that may include other elements not specified. The terms "a," "an," and the singular forms of words shall be taken to include the plural form of the same words, such that the terms mean that one or more of something is provided. The terms "at least one" and "one or more" are used interchangeably. The term "single" shall be used to indicate that one and only one of something is intended. Similarly, other specific integer values, such as "two," are used when a specific number of things is intended. The terms "preferably," "preferred," "prefer," "optionally," "may," and similar terms are used to indicate that an item, condition or step being referred to is an optional (i.e., not required) feature of the invention. Ranges that are described as being "between a and b" are inclusive of the values for "a" and "b" unless otherwise specified.

[0045] While this invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments thereof, it shall be understood that such description is by way of illustration only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claimed invention. Accordingly, the scope and content of the invention are to be defined only by the terms of the following claims. Furthermore, it is understood that the features of any specific embodiment discussed herein may be combined with one or more features of any one or more embodiments otherwise discussed or contemplated herein unless otherwise stated.