A tire mold and a molding device for forming a sunken groove in a tire are
provided. The molding device includes one or more rigid elements joined
to a flexible member. The flexible member is formed from a flexible
material, preferably a superalloy, or hyperelastic material. The molding
device may further comprise a magnet. A portion of the flexible member is
positioned in contact with a first surface of a relief forming element of
a mold and the rigid element has a mating surface in mating contact with
a second surface of the relief forming element. The mold further may
further comprise a second relief forming element positioned adjacent the
first relief forming element, wherein the rigid element further includes
an outer surface in mating contact with a surface of said second relief
forming element.