Abstract: A tire curing press (20) according to the concepts of the present invention includes a pair of spaced mold cavities (MC), base assemblies (22, 23) for supporting lower mold sections (L) in the mold cavities, a cross beam assembly (100) for supporting upper mold sections (U) in the mold cavities, a center post assembly (201) substantially aligned between the centerline of the mold cavities, and a lift mechanism (215) positioned interiorly of the center post assembly for supporting and vertically moving the cross beam assembly to open and close the press. A roller guide assembly (230) is provided for stabilizing and effecting precision vertical movement of the cross beam assembly relative to the center post assembly, while a safety stop mechanism (275) precludes uncontrolled descent of the cross beam assembly from the press open position. A mold locking and clamping assembly (120) locks the mold section (L, U) and applies squeeze forces thereto when the press is closed for curing a tire.

Abstract: A modification to a multiple cavity tire press places a plurality of hydraulic cylinders beneath the lower mold half and heat platen of each mold in the press. The size of the side links of the press is adjusted so that in normal operation, the side links only bring the upper and lower mold halves into close registration and hydraulic pressure applied to the lower mold halves through the plurality of hydraulic cylinders gives the squeeze to the press halves, as well as eliminating or minimizing the malocclusion of the mold halves known in the prior art due to deflection of the respected upper and lower portions of the mold by application of mechanical squeeze.