Abstract: An Apparatus for applying cushion gum to a periphery of a tire casing without cement includes a conveyor having a forward roller near the tire casing. The conveyor is mounted on a carriage that is movable relative to its base so that the conveyor can be moved to contact the tire casing. The conveyor moves the cushion gum below an infrared heater to heat an interface side of the cushion gum to increase its tack and then moves the heated cushion gum between the forward roller and the tire casing. The forward roller of the conveyor applies the cushion gum to the periphery of the tire as the cushion gum exits the conveyor and first contacts the tire casing. A supply roller is provided to move the cushion gum from a supply roll to the rear end of the conveyor. A cutting mechanism is provided between the supply roller and the conveyor to selectively cut the cushion gum.

Abstract: An Apparatus for applying cushion gum to a periphery of a tire casing without cement includes a conveyor having a forward roller near the tire casing. The conveyor is mounted on a carriage that is movable relative to its base so that the conveyor can be moved to contact the tire casing. The conveyor moves the cushion gum below an infrared heater to heat an interface side of the cushion gum to increase its tack and then moves the heated cushion gum between the forward roller and the tire casing. The forward roller of the conveyor applies the cushion gum to the periphery of the tire as the cushion gum exits the conveyor and first contacts the tire casing. A supply roller is provided to move the cushion gum from a supply roll to the rear end of the conveyor. A cutting mechanism is provided between the supply roller and the conveyor to selectively cut the cushion gum.

Abstract: A movable, adjustable carrier assembly suitable for transporting a tire through a tire retreading plant along a conveyor track at different heights. The adjustable carrier assembly includes a main bar and a support bar. The support bar self-lockingly engages one of a plurality of notches or slots in the main bar. By reason of the multiplicity of notches, the height of the support bar, and accordingly the height of the tire it is transporting, can be adjusted, thus permitting a tire to be transported throughout a tire retreading plant on a single adjustable carrier, the height of the tire being adjusted as needed at the various operational stations. Also, the same adjustable carrier can be adjusted to accommodate tires of different sizes.

Abstract: A retread curing ring assembly that includes a conical frustum seat insertable within an opening of a tire carcass to be cured. The retread curing ring captures the edge portions of an elastomeric envelope draped over the tire carcass and a tread strip between the conical seat and the inner edge of the circumferential bead formed along the interior edge of the sidewalls of the tire carcass. A plurality of clamping assemblies are circumferentially disposed around a circular body member to which the conical seat is attached. Each clamping assembly has a clamping arm movable between an open and closed position. When the curing ring is positioned within the tire carcass, the clamping arms are moved to their closed positions, thereby drawing the curing ring further within the tire carcass to form a seal between the inner edge of the circumferential bead and the conical seat.

Abstract: This invention relates to a retread curing ring apparatus for mounting on a tire retread assembly which comprises a tire carcass having a retread area, integral side walls with inner edges, a preformed tread strip positioned on the retread area, and a flexible envelope or bag surrounding the entire retread assembly. The retread curing ring apparatus is positioned adjacent to each side of the tire carcass. The curing ring apparatus comprises a circular body with a recess adjacent to its bottom edge and positioned in said recess a circular elastomeric gasket having a channel at its bottom edge for attachment to the curing ring. The gasket is prepared from a plastic or rubber material and comprises a plurality of circumferential ribs adjacent the bead of the tire carcass which enables the clamp assemblies mounted circumferentially on the curing ring to hold the curing ring and the tire assembly in an airtight engaged position during the retread process.

Abstract: A method of retreading a pneumatic tire. The tire casing is buffed to a predetermined profile to remove the old tread. A cushion layer having an integral belt disposed therein is wrapped circumferentially around the casing and attached thereto. A precured tread having an integral belt disposed therein is wrapped circumferentially over the cushion and attached to the casing and cushion. The tire is cured to form a unitary structure.