Abstract: Method and apparatus for constrained post cure inflation (CPCI), for improvement of tire uniformity, footprint shape factor, and tread wear. The method comprises the steps of: (1) initiating the method on a tire after the tire has been removed from a tire curing mold (preferably while the tire is still hot); (2) providing 360 degree circumferential tread restraint which holds the tread in an ideal tread shape, concentric to the axis of rotation and nominally perpendicular to the equatorial plane; (3) sealingly holding the beads concentric to, and equidistant from, the axis of rotation, and symmetrically spaced about the equatorial plane; and (4) inflating the tire to a controlled pressure, and holding the controlled pressure for a controlled time while the tread is restrained and the beads are sealingly held.

Abstract: An improved method for mounting an annular tread 1 onto a tire casing 2 is described. The improved method comprises the steps of expanding the tread 1 radially and encircling the expanded tread with a transfer mechanism 30. The transfer mechanism 30 has a means 90 for holding the lateral edges 5 of the tread 1 in the expanded condition independent of the center 6 of the tread 1. The means 90 for holding the lateral edges 5 of the tread 1 is accomplished without contacting the radially inner surface 7 of the tread 1. The transfer mechanism 30 has a means 92 for circumferentially clamping the central portion of the tread 1 to the casing 2, The transfer mechanism 30 with expanded tread 1 is centered over the casing 2. The means 92 for clamping the central portion 6 of the tread 1 is actuated while holding the lateral edges 5 of the tread 1 in the transfer mechanism 30.

Abstract: Rubbery high trans-high vinyl diblock copolymers, blends of rubbery high trans copolymers and rubbery high vinyl polymers, and mixtures (alloys or blends) of said diblock copolymers, high trans copolymers and high vinyl polymers are useful in producing tire treads exhibiting good processibility, good rolling resistance, skid resistance and abrasion resistance. The high trans block or copolymer comprises a copolymer of butadiene-1,3 and styrene and/or isoprene and the high vinyl block or polymer comprises polybutadiene or copolymers of butadiene and styrene and/or isoprene. These di-block copolymers, copolymers and polymers are made by solution polymerization. The diblock copolymer may be made by copolymerizing butadiene and styrene and/or isoprene using a Ba, Ca or Sr alcoholate, R.sub.2 Mg and R.sub.