Abstract: Apparatus and method for the manufacture of an annular uncured elastomeric component for a tire. The component (11) is formed on a disc-like mandrel (10) comprising a flexible support (12) having a frustoconical surface on which a strip of unvulcanized elastomeric material is wound to form the component, and a rigid carrier (13) on which the support (12) is mounted. The carrier (13) is adapted for mounting on a turning head (31) for rotation of the mandrel as the strip is laid onto said receiving surface. The flexible support (12) is used as a carrier to transfer the formed component to another tire building location.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of a tire in which an annular component (11) is placed onto a flexible annular support (12) and the support (12) with component (11) insitu is brought into proximity with a shaped-up tire carcass for assembly of the component to the carcass. The insitu component (11) is assembled to the shaped-up carcass by applying a load through the flexible support (12) to press said component against the carcass. The annular support (12) is locatable on an operating head (34) which includes an applier means (81) which acts on the flexible support causing it to distort and thereby transfer the component (11) to the shaped-up tire carcass.