Abstract: A resilient mold and a method for retreading tires using such mold which has an inner face of a normal, unstretched diameter which is smaller than the outer diameter of a tire tread. The mold is in the shape of a ring and has, on its inner side or face, an embossing pattern which applies a tread design to a vulcanizable rubber band previously applied to a tire body. The ring mold is first expanded and then fitted over the tire body and the so-applied vulcanizable band and, thereafter, the ring mold is allowed to contract responsive to its inherent tension. The ring mold, thus fitted over the tread band, is centered on the body while the tire is rotated. This whole unit is then heated to a temperature which converts the tread band into a plastic form and embosses the tread design from the ring mold onto the tread band, which is vulcanized and bonded to the tire body.

Abstract: A method for retreading tires using a resilient mold or matrix ring which is normally smaller than a tire body. On its inner side, this ring has an embossing pattern which applies a tread design to a vulcanizable rubber band previously attached to a tire body. The matrix ring is first expanded and then fitted over the tire body with its vulcanizable band in place. Thereafter, the matrix ring is allowed to contract responsive to its inherent tension. The matrix ring thus attached over the tread band is centered on the body while the tire rotates. This whole unit is then heated to a temperature which converts the tread band into a plastic form and embosses the tread design from the matrix ring onto the tread band, which is vulcanized and bonded to the tire body.