Abstract: The present invention includes methods and apparatus for testing tire performance using a laterally-contoured road wheel. Accordingly, particular embodiments of the machine include a wheel configured to rotate, the wheel having a tire operating surface configured to engage a tire during operation, the outer tire operating surface arranged along an annular side of the wheel and having a width extending laterally relative a circumferential direction of the wheel along a contoured path. The machine may further include a drive source configured to rotate the wheel and a tire mount configured to rotatably maintain a tire. The present invention also includes methods of forming a laterally-contoured tire operating surface for a road wheel.

Abstract: Particular embodiments of the invention include a method of forming a tire operating surface for a road wheel. Such methods include: providing a longitudinally convex bonding surface for receiving a textured tire operating surface; applying adhesive material of a pre-determined thickness along the longitudinally convex bonding surface to form a coated bonding surface comprising a longitudinally convex layer of adhesive material arranged along the bonding surface; and, arranging a single layer of aggregate material along a retention surface. The methods also include placing a width of the longitudinally convex layer of adhesive material of the coated bonding surface into engagement with the single layer of aggregate and rotating the coated bonding surface in a lengthwise direction relative the retention surface until a length of the convex layer of adhesive material has engaged the single layer of aggregate.

Abstract: Particular embodiments of the invention include a method of forming a tire operating surface for a road wheel. Such methods include: providing a longitudinally convex bonding surface for receiving a textured tire operating surface; applying adhesive material of a pre-determined thickness along the longitudinally convex bonding surface to form a coated bonding surface comprising a longitudinally convex layer of adhesive material arranged along the bonding surface; and, arranging a single layer of aggregate material along a retention surface. The methods also include placing a width of the longitudinally convex layer of adhesive material of the coated bonding surface into engagement with the single layer of aggregate and rotating the coated bonding surface in a lengthwise direction relative the retention surface until a length of the convex layer of adhesive material has engaged the single layer of aggregate.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods and apparatus for testing tire performance using a laterally-contoured road wheel. Accordingly, particular embodiments of the machine include a wheel configured to rotate, the wheel having a tire operating surface configured to engage a tire during operation, the outer tire operating surface arranged along an annular side of the wheel and having a width extending laterally relative a circumferential direction of the wheel along a contoured path. The machine may further include a drive source configured to rotate the wheel and a tire mount configured to rotatably maintain a tire. The present invention also includes methods of forming a laterally-contoured tire operating surface for a road wheel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for tread de-molding is provided and, more particularly, a method and apparatus for removing a tread element such as e.g., a tread belt from a mold is provided. The apparatus may be inserted between upper and lower mold elements to allow for removal of a tread element from a mold. The apparatus may be adjustable for height.