Abstract: A method and apparatus for molding elastomeric stock, the method comprising interposing an apertured, heat-resistant, flexible, insulation plate between a heated mold and the discharge portion of an elastomeric stock injection unit such that respective mold cavities provided in the mold are aligned with respective apertures in the insulation plate which intercommunicate the mold cavities with an internal discharge chamber in the injection unit. The mold and injection unit are moved relative to one another such that each presses against the other through the intermediary of the insulation plate, thereby permitting expulsion and transferring of a portion of elastomeric stock from the injection unit into the mold cavities to be cured, an excess portion of elastomeric stock remaining in the injection unit being prevented from undergoing curing by means of the presence of the insulation plate.

Abstract: A device for removing molded articles and cured sprues from the cavity and cover plates, respectively, of a multi-plate multi-cavity injection mold, includes a molded article ejection unit and a sprue extraction unit which, when the molding machine is opened, are juxtaposed, respectively, to a space between the mold cover and cavity plates and to a space between the mold cover plate and the face plate of the injection unit of the machine. A common carrier unit is provided for shifting the article ejection and sprue extraction units jointly into and out of the said spaces. In a preferred construction, the article ejection unit includes a plurality of ejector pins for the mold cavities, and means responsive to the arrival of the ejection unit at the end of its in-stroke for causing the ejector pins to penetrate the cavities from one face of the cavity plate.

Abstract: A method for molding elastomeric stock, the method comprising interposing an apertured, heat-resistant, flexible, insulation plate between a heated mold and the discharge portion of an elastomeric stock injection unit such that respective mold cavities provided in the mold are aligned with respective apertures in the insulation plate which intercommunicate the mold cavities with an internal discharge chamber in the injection unit. The mold and injection unit are moved relative to one another such that each presses against the other through the intermediary of the insulation plate, thereby permitting expulsion and transferring of a portion of elastomeric stock from the injection unit into the mold cavities to be cured, an excess portion of elastomeric stock remaining in the injection unit being prevented from undergoing curing by means of the presence of the insulation plate.

Abstract: A lower sidewall construction for radial ply tires characterized by improved in-service stability and structural strength is disclosed. The tire includes first and second bead units, at least one radially extending carcass ply, the end portions of which are each turned up around one of the bead units, and a radially extending square-woven fabric reinforcing strip positioned between each of the bead units and the carcass ply. Each of the reinforcing strips extends throughout a major portion of the respective lower sidewall of the tire, the radially inward end of each of the reinforcing strips extending to the core of its corresponding bead unit and the radially outwardmost portion of each of the reinforcing strips being in direct contact with, and adhering to, the carcass ply.

Abstract: Apparatus for inserting a plurality of molding inserts into respective mold cavities of a multi-cavity mold, simultaneously, is disclosed. The apparatus comprises an insert-holding arrangement for removably holding a plurality of generally annular inserts in spaced apart relation corresponding to the relative spacing of a plurality of cavities of a multi-cavity mold, the insert-holding arrangement including resilient-like projection members for frictionally securing respective ones of the annular inserts from the interior of the latter. The apparatus furthermore includes an insert-stripping arrangement operatively associated with the projection members and the inserts for stripping the latter simultaneously from their associated projection members to effect the simultaneous insertion of the inserts into respective mold cavities of the multi-cavity mold.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing partially exposed, upstanding, plug-like, cured scrap from sprues of a mold is disclosed. The scrap is integral with and separable from cured elastomeric product formed in respective mold cavities of the mold at corresponding sprue constriction regions of minimum cross-section. The apparatus comprises a wiping assembly engageable with the exposed portions of the scrap, and a system for moving the mold and wiping assembly relative to one another to effect engagement of the scrap with the wiping assembly and thereby tear the scrap free from each cured elastomeric product at the sprue constriction regions of minimum cross-section.

Abstract: A method of molding elastomeric stock, the method comprising interposing an apertured, heat-resistant, flexible, insulation plate between a heated mold and the discharge portion of an elastomeric stock injection unit such that respective mold cavities provided in the mold are aligned with respective apertures in the insulation plate which intercommunicate the mold cavities with an internal discharge chamber in the injection unit. The mold and injection unit are moved relative to one another such that each presses against the other through the intermediary of the insulation plate, thereby permitting expulsion and transferring of a portion of elastomeric stock from the injection unit into the mold cavities to be cured, an excess portion of elastomeric stock remaining in the injection unit being prevented from undergoing curing by means of the presence of the insulation plate.

Abstract: A method for determining the preferred direction of rotation of a vehicle tire including determining the direction of rotation of the tire in which the lateral structural force acting on the tire is greater. After this determination the tire is marked in a manner indicating the direction of rotation in which the lateral structural force is greater. In this way the tire may be mounted on a vehicle so that the conventionally forward direction of rotation of the tire is in the direction of greater lateral structural force so that the effect of the forces acting on the tire which tend to alter its direction of travel are minimized.