Abstract: A method of manufacture of a vehicle tire in which an annular mold (11) is filled with uncured elastomeric compound to form in the annular mold an apex (14) and integral chafer (17), and preferably a sidewall (13). The annular mould (11) with the components (14) (17) and (13) in-situ is then brought into alignment with a toroidally shaped tire carcass (22) to assemble the apex (14) and chafer (17) to the carcass.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacture of a tire component said component being a sheet of reinforced unvulcanized rubber compound having two parallel main surfaces. The apparatus comprises an open mould shaped to accommodate the component arranged to contact one of said surfaces, a pressurizing member to contact the other said surface, and apparatus for maintaining the time/temperature conditions of the mould and the component below those required to cause vulcanization. The pressurizing member applies substantial compressive force to the component so that the rubber compound is pressed into intimate contact with the reinforcement. The apparatus provides real penetration of the rubber compound into the reinforcement and is particularly valuable for tire breakers which are steel cord reinforced.

Abstract: A tire breaker belt comprises a core ply preferably comprising rubberized cords extending longitudinally of the belt. One or more encasing plies are wrapped around the core ply. The cords of the encasing ply or plies extend at an acute angle to the length of the belt.The belt may be formed directly as an annulus or in a long length which is cut to a shorter length and subsequently wrapped around a carcass.

Abstract: A mould particularly as used in the manufacture of a product from elastomeric material which is required to be heated.Preferably the heating is carried out by means of an electric current which may be induced electromagnetically.The product may be a tire.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method of manufacture for a tire component comprising a sheet of reinforced unvulcanized rubber compound having two parallel main surfaces comprising pre-coating the reinforcement material fabric of the component with unvulcanized rubber compound, placing the component in an open mould shaped to accommodate the component arranged to contact one of said surfaces, positioning a pressurizing member to contact the other said surface, maintaining the time/temperature conditions of the mould and the component below those required to cause vulcanization, operating the pressurizing member to apply substantial compressive force to the component so that the rubber compound is pressed into intimate contact with the reinforcement and removing the unvulcanized component from the mould. The method provides real penetration of the rubber compound into the reinforcement and is particularly valuable for tire breakers which are steel cord reinforced.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method of manufacture for discrete elastomeric material components comprising extending material through a die onto the surface of a component holding member, securing the leading end of the extrudate to said member, effecting relative movement to lay the extrudate on the holding member so that the component is produced on said member. The invention also provides for transfer of the component from the member.

Abstract: An apparatus for expanding an annular tire component into a ring comprising an inflatable, expandable annular pressure vessel formed by an inflatable bag or diaphragm attached to a cylindrical carrier drum and guide means for accurately controlling in a predetermined manner the axial position of the bag with respect to the carrier drum. The guide means are preferably radially extending pins sliding in bearings.