Abstract: A method and apparatus for retreading a tire includes a mold segment (14) having open ends (16) and (18). A tire carcass (10) has a layer of uncured rubber (12) built up on the surface thereof. The mold (14) is disposed therearound with ribs (20) resting on the surface thereof. A semi-flexible cap (24) is disposed over the ends (16) and (18) which are separated by a gap (20). An elastic strap (26) is then wrapped about the assembly to secure the mold (14) to the built up tire carcass (10). An envelope (28) is then wrapped about the assembled tire carcass (10) to provide a radially inward force thereto. The whole assembly is then cured in a curing oven.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for retreading a tire includes a mold segment (14) having open ends (16) and (18). A tire carcass (10) has a layer of uncured rubber (12) built up on the surface thereof. The mold (14) is disposed therearound with ribs (20) resting on the surface thereof. A semi-flexible cap (24) is disposed over the ends (16) and (18) which are separated by a gap (20). An elastic strap (26) is then wrapped about the assembly to secure the mold (14) to the built up tire carcass (10). An envelope (28) is then wrapped about the assembled tire carcass (10) to provide a radially inward force thereto. The whole assembly is then cured in a curing oven.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cold retreading or recapping of the running surface of a vehicle tire. A rubber, rope and cloth sectioned mold is produced utilizing a new tire male mold covered with perforated polypropylene film, uncured rubber with nylon rope at its edges and highly stretchable cloth enclosed in an envelope and cured by application of pressure and heat. A male mold is used to make the final female mold directly, or to make an intermediate mold which is used to produce a tread ring that is stretched to form a larger diameter male mold from which a final mold is prepared. The final mold is then sectioned to form one discontinuous section or two or more sections. Conveniently, one section from one size tire may be fitted with a section or sections from other size tires to form a mold to recap a third size tire. Additionally, radial inserts having the radial cross sections of the mold sections may be added to accommodate various tire sizes.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hub replacement device for use in vehicle tire retreading processes. An envelope is sealed against the tire carcass sidewalls to provide an environmental seal of the new tread on the carcass crown during the vulcanization process. Three arcuate rigid plates, each with a pair of ribs, are installed between the carcass beads, for supporting the beads, a predetermined distance apart along a majority of the bead circumference. Integral with each support plate are pairs of opposing toggle clamps with hooked ends. A pair of annular discs are located on each side of the tire for applying a compressive force on the envelope against the carcass sidewalls. The annular discs are each equipped with pairs of anchor loops to which the hooked ends of the toggle clamps are releasably engaged.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hub replacement device for use in vehicle tire retreading processes. An envelope (30) is sealed against the tire carcass sidewalls (22, 24) to provide an environmental seal of the new tread (54) on the carcass crown (50) during the vulcanization process. Three arcuate rigid plates (16, 18, 20), each with a pair of ribs (56, 58), are installed between the carcass beads (12, 14), for supporting the beads (12, 14), a predetermined distance apart along a majority of the bead circumference. Integral with each support plate (16, 18, 20) are pairs of opposing toggle clamps (32, 40) with hooked ends (36). A pair of annular discs (26, 28) are located on each side of the tire for applying a compressive force on the envelope (30) against the carcass sidewalls (22, 24). The annular discs (26, 28) are each equipped with pairs of anchor loops (42, 44) to which the hooked ends (36) of the toggle clamps (32,40) are releasably engaged.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hub replacement device for use in vehicle tire retreading processes. An envelope (30) is sealed against the tire carcass sidewalls (22, 24) to provide an environmental seal of the new tread (54) on the carcass crown (50) during the vulcanization process. Three arcuate rigid plates (16, 18, 20), each with a pair of ribs (56, 58), are installed between the carcass beads (12, 14), for supporting the beads (12, 14), a predetermined distance apart along a majority of the bead circumference. Integral with each support plate (16, 18, 20) are pairs of opposing toggle clamps (32, 40) with hooked ends (36). A pair of annular discs (26, 28) are located on each side of the tire for applying a compressive force on the envelope (30) against the carcass sidewalls (22, 24). The annular discs (26, 28) are each equipped with pairs of anchor loops (42, 44) to which the hooked ends (36) of the toggle clamps (32,40) are releasably engaged.

Abstract: An improved envelope seal for a tire assembly (10) is provided to protect the bonding surfaces of a tire casing (12) and tread material (14) from exposure to steam and other elements within a pressure chamber (126) during curing. A two piece road curing rim (26) is provided with rim members (36, 38) which extend adjacent the sidewalls (56) of the tire (16). Annular seals (37, 39) are secured about the peripheral edges of the rim members (36, 38) and define first annular sealing faces (86, 88) and second annular sealing faces (90, 92). A flexible envelope (18) covers the bonding surfaces of the tire and extends radially inward adjacent the sidewalls of the tire. The envelope has lips (68, 70) extending laterally outward from the outer surface thereof and having annular sealing faces (94, 96) defined thereon. The envelope (18) is inflated to align the first annular sealing faces (86, 88) and annular sealing faces of the envelope lips (94, 96).

Abstract: The specification discloses a method and system for retreading tires wherein an uncured gum layer disposed between a vehicle tire carcass and a pre-cured tire tread is vulcanized by RF energy. An annular air bladder is received within the tire carcass and includes an annular conductive grounding strip. A hub is received within the center opening of the tire carcass and connects to the grounding strip. A chamber capable of withstanding high pressures is dimensioned to receive the tire carcass. A shaft is horizontally rotatably disposed in the chamber and is adapted to connect to the hub. Drive structure extends through the wall of the chamber in order to rotate the shaft at a predetermined speed. A source of pressure is provided for pressurizing the interior of the chamber. An RF antenna extends from the chamber to a position adjacent the tire tread when the tire carcass is mounted for rotation about the shaft. A source of RF energy is located outside the chamber.