Patent ID: 8323013

Claim:
An apparatus for molding or retreading a tire having sipes in its tread stock that facilitates sipe replacement comprising: a curing member that has a top surface that contacts the tread of the tire and a bottom surface, said surfaces defining a first aperture; a blade holder that that is configured to fit within the first aperture of the curing member, said blade holder having a top surface that contacts the tire tread and a body that defines a slit that has a predetermined configuration, said blade holder also having a heel with a top surface contacting the curing member and a bottom surface; and a sipe blade that has a first portion for forming a sipe in the tire tread and a second portion for retaining the blade within the apparatus comprising a heel with a top surface and a bottom surface, said second portion having a shape that is complimentary to the slit of the blade holder so that the sipe blade can fit within the blade holder.