Abstract: An apparatus for forming a tire bead may include a rotatable bead former having a front portion and a back portion. The rotatable bead former may include a first step with a first diameter, the first step having at least a first bead-engaging surface circumnavigating an axis and configured to receive a first tire bead, and a second step located closer to the back portion than the first step, the second step having a second diameter different than the first diameter, and the second step having a second bead-engaging surface circumnavigating the axis and configured to receive a second tire bead.

Abstract: A bead-apex assembly system comprising a bead forming system and an apex application system. In one embodiment, a supporting assembly is located at least partially between the bead forming system and the apex application system, and the supporting assembly is adapted to move an annular bead ring from the bead forming system to the apex application system.

Abstract: The present embodiments provide an apparatus for forming a tire bead. The apparatus may comprise a rotatable bead former having a front portion and a back portion. The rotatable bead former may comprise a first step with a first diameter, the first step having at least a first bead-engaging surface circumnavigating an axis and configured to receive a first tire bead, and a second step located closer to the back portion than the first step, the second step having a second diameter different than the first diameter, and the second step having a second bead-engaging surface circumnavigating the axis and configured to receive a second tire bead.

Abstract: The present embodiments provide an apparatus for facilitating the forming of a bead. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a rotatable base and a first movable support, wherein the first movable support is radially moveable with respect to the base. A first protrusion extends from the first movable support, and the first protrusion has a first bead-engaging surface. A position control device is coupled to the first movable support and configured to control the radial position of the movable support with respect to the base. A first fastening portion is located on the first movable support. The first fastening portion is configured to facilitate the attachment of the first protrusion to the first movable support.

Abstract: A bead-apex assembly system comprising a bead forming system and an apex application system. In one embodiment, a supporting assembly is located at least partially between the bead forming system and the apex application system, and the supporting assembly is adapted to move an annular bead ring from the bead forming system to the apex application system.

Abstract: A system for handling a bead apex comprises a first jaw having open and closed states, which is configured to engage a first surface of a bead apex in the closed state. The system further comprises a second jaw having open and closed states, and a plurality of grippers coupled to the second jaw. Selected ones of the plurality of grippers are configured to engage a second surface of the bead apex in the closed state of the second jaw. Further, at least one of the plurality of grippers comprises a tapered end surface.

Abstract: A system for handling a bead apex comprises a first jaw having open and closed states, which is configured to engage a first surface of a bead apex in the closed state. The system further comprises a second jaw having open and closed states, and a plurality of grippers coupled to the second jaw. Selected ones of the plurality of grippers are configured to engage a second surface of the bead apex in the closed state of the second jaw. Further, at least one of the plurality of grippers comprises a tapered end surface.

Abstract: A tire with a tire bead having a cross sectional profile including a relatively wide base section and a top section that is tapered on at least one side, with the tire bead being embedded directly in the tire body without the use of an extension. Also, a tire with a tire bead having a cross sectional profile including a relatively wide base section and a top section with one tapered side and one untapered side, with the tire bead being embedded in the tire body along with an extension. Also, a method of building a tire where the tire bead and extension are assembled into the tire body at the tire building drum of the tire assembly machine, and the tire bead and extension are not pre-assembled prior to being introduced onto or into the tire body.