Abstract: The invention pertains to the method and apparatus for vulcanizing retreaded tires wherein an annular precured tread is bonded to a tire carcass by bonding material interposed between the tread and carcass. Grills are attached to the opposite sides of the carcass and each are associated with an annular elastomeric ironing member having a concave surface corresponding to the tire side configuration engaging the tread marginal edges whereby the ironing surface shapes and smooths the transition zone between the tread and tire carcass resulting in improved appearance and integral bonding.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for securing a pre-cured tread to a tire during vulcanization to retread the tire, a sealing grid having annular rings disposed thereon to contact the sides of an envelope disposed about the tread and against the sides of the tire to cause a seal therebetween wherein said grids are easily joinable to effect such seal without the need of the tire being mounted on a rim or being inflated.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a machine for applying an endless precured tire tread to a prepared tire casing. A tread assembly is mounted for movement along guide rods supported by a base. The tread assembly includes a rotatably mounted head assembly having finger assemblies which mount an endless precured tread. The finger assemblies are movable radially inwardly and outwardly. A tire mounting assembly is positioned on said base in opposed and aligned relationship to the head assembly and mounts a prepared tire casing. Rollers are provided for stitching the endless tread to the prepared casing.

Abstract: A tire tread moldin apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus, which produces an endless and seamless toroidal tire tread for use in retreading of tire carcasses, utilizes a central mandrel and a sectional retractable outer portion, defining the inner and outer sides of a mold. The mandrel and the outer mold sections are heated to cure the rubber stock as it is formed into a tire tread, and curing pressure is provided by the manner in which the outer mold sections converge upon the mandrel and by thermo-expansion.