Abstract: Discloses method of forming a belted radial tire from a cylindrical radial green tire band having biased corded belts which are adapted to pantograph and expand circumferentially as the tire band is shaped to be molded into a finished tire without "S-ing" of the radial cords of the carcass plies under the belts of the finished tire as may be caused by the pantograph action of the belts while the tire band is being expanded into finished shape. Involves lowering a belted radial green tire band of generally cylindrical shape to seat into a conventional tire molding press over the inflatable curing bladder, then applying inflation pressure into the curing bladder to a first pressure level while partially closing the press. The inflation pressure is continued to a second pressure level while continuing to close the press. The belts pantograph and circumferentially expand substantially completely through application of the second pressure until the tire band has reached a generally circular U-shape.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire with an internal toroidal safety structure that expands and provides emergency support between the tire tread and the wheel rim if the tire loses inflation pressure. The safety structure has an outer circumferential belt comprising one or more superposed layers of cord reinforced strips, the belt being secured to the safety structure in a relatively narrow central circumferential zone so that radial expansion of the toroidal safety structure is readily accommodated should the tire lose inflation pressure. The belt bears between the inner surface of the tread portion of the tire and the safety structure in the event of tire deflation or underinflation and thus guards against puncture. The safety structure may be an internal inflatable tube or a flexible resilient foam member, for example.