Abstract: A method of retreading a stitched tire having a cushion layer of uncured rubber between its buffed surface and the undersurface of it uncured rubber curable at temperatures above 200.degree. F. utilizes tensioned bands including its margins of the tread material. The bands are of a prestressed, long chain synthetic polymer which becomes elastic with reduced tensile strength at temperatures above 200.degree. F. The bands are tensioned to an extent such that the underlying margins of the cushion layer are forced into such intimate contact with the buffed surface of the tire and the undersurface of the tread material as to form temporary gas impermeable seals at the interfaces and at the same time insure that, while the cushion layer is being cured at tempeatures above 200.degree. F., the tread material is held in place by the bands with a compressive force inadequate to cause extrusion of the cushion layer rubber in excess of a bead which is approximately one half the thickness of the cushion layer.

Abstract: A splice between ends of precured tread material is effected by establishing a gap between the ends that are to be spliced together after the tread material has been fitted to the buffed area of a tire with a cushion layer of uncured rubber between the material and the buffed area. The gap is established without compressing the tread material adjacent the gap and is approximately three-sixteenths of an inch and is filled with natural rubber using an extruder gun in a manner flushing air from the gap. The tire is then cured by heat and pressure for the necessary time required by the particular curing process employed.

Abstract: A lift for use in such buffed tire processing operations as inspection, repair and cementing thereof has a carriage supported by a vertical post so as to be moved as by a ram between a lower inoperative position and an upper operative position. A pair of horizontal, motor driven shafts are connected to the carriage and in the inoperative shaft position, a buffed tire or tires supported by the free end of a hanger of a mobile rack may be brought into a position in which the shafts extend freely therethrough. In the operative position of the carriage, the tire or tires through which the shafts extend are supported entirely thereby so that they may be rotated and processed and the carriage then lowered until the processed tires are again supported by the hanger of the mobile rack.

Abstract: A flexible, integrally formed elastomeric matrix is formed using an internal mold such as an inflated tire or carved or molded rigid facsimile thereof covered with a fabric venting network and an overlying layer of elastomeric material. The assembly is cured in the same manner as when tire retreading is effected utilizing precured tread material. After curing, the thus formed flexible matrix with the incorporated venting material is removed and is used in retreading tires prepared in the same manner as in the case where rigid external molds are used but with the curing of the assembly effected in the same way the flexible matrix was prepared.

Abstract: Gauges are provided to measure the diameter of a buffed tire to determine whether with the addition of a predetermined amount of uncured rubber thereto by an extruder builder, a predetermined mold or matrix can be used, whether additional rubber will have to be applied by the builder before that matrix can be used or whether the buffed tire should not be used with that matrix.