Cooper Tire & Rubber Company

Kurt Utrup

Jeremy J Jacobs

Ryan J Schimmoeller

Steve Reigle

Chris Ackerman

Brett Badertscher

Curtis Barron

Daniel T Strohscher

A combination of first and second plugs for a tire mold includes associated first and second receivers/jackets. Fasteners secure the receiver to an associated tire mold. A securing member extends from the receiver into the cavity of the first receiver to retain the first plug therein. The first plug is contoured and dimensioned for mating receipt in the first receiver cavity. The second plug is likewise contoured and dimensioned for mating receipt in the associated second receiver cavity, but will not be accepted in the first receiver. A tool is provided to facilitate insertion and removal of the first and second plugs, and limit the potential for damage to the associated tire mold.

Ball hitch tip out plug, triangle leg tip out plug, combination, and tip out plug tool

A visual wear indicating feature is incorporated into the tread pattern to provide progressive, incremental indications to the customer regarding the amount of useable tread remaining on the tire.

Visual wear indicator

Growing community of inventors

Ottawa, OH, United States of America

Kurt Utrup