Abstract: The invention pertains to the method and apparatus for vulcanizing retreaded tires wherein an annular precured tread is bonded to a tire carcass by bonding material interposed between the tread and carcass. Grills are attached to the opposite sides of the carcass and each are associated with an annular elastomeric ironing member having a concave surface corresponding to the tire side configuration engaging the tread marginal edges whereby the ironing surface shapes and smooths the transition zone between the tread and tire carcass resulting in improved appearance and integral bonding.

Abstract: The invention is a replacement tread for installation on a tire casing and the method of installing the tread. The replacement tread includes an endless, pre-molded central tread portion having a relaxed diameter less than the inflated diameter of the tire casing. Integral shoulder wings extend downwardly from the central tread portion and define a circular bottom edge. The shoulder wings bias the bottom edges against the tire casing effecting a seal.To install the replacement tread, the tread area of the tire casing is prepared and the tire casing inflated. The replacement tread is expanded and released onto the tire casing. Tension forces hold the replacement tread closely against the tire casing. The tread is stitched under pressure forces to remove entrapped air and to effect a fluid seal between the shoulder wings and the tire casing. Finally, the replacement tread and the tire casing assembly is cured or bonded.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a machine for applying an endless precured tire tread to a prepared tire casing. A tread assembly is mounted for movement along guide rods supported by a base. The tread assembly includes a rotatably mounted head assembly having finger assemblies which mount an endless precured tread. The finger assemblies are movable radially inwardly and outwardly. A tire mounting assembly is positioned on said base in opposed and aligned relationship to the head assembly and mounts a prepared tire casing. Rollers are provided for stitching the endless tread to the prepared casing.

Abstract: A tire tread moldin apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus, which produces an endless and seamless toroidal tire tread for use in retreading of tire carcasses, utilizes a central mandrel and a sectional retractable outer portion, defining the inner and outer sides of a mold. The mandrel and the outer mold sections are heated to cure the rubber stock as it is formed into a tire tread, and curing pressure is provided by the manner in which the outer mold sections converge upon the mandrel and by thermo-expansion.