Abstract: A roller for supporting the rotating drum of a clothes drier or similar appliance includes a hub which is molded from a suitable polymer and a rubber tire which fits around and is interlocked with the hub. The tire is of uniform cross-sectional configuration and is stressed so that it remains in intimate contact with the hub rim, even after substantial use. To manufacture the roller, the tire, which is molded in a separate operation, is placed in a mold cavity that is configured to seal against the side walls of the tire and yet permit the tire to expand radially, maintaining the seals along the tire side walls throughout the expansion. Once the mold is closed, a polymer in a plastic state is injected into the region of the cavity surrounded by the tire, there being enough polymer forced into the mold to expand the tire radially against an outer surface of the cavity.

Abstract: A roller for supporting the rotating drum of a clothes drier or similar appliance includes a hub which is molded from a suitable polymer and a rubber tire which fits around and is interlocked with the hub. The tire is of uniform cross-sectional configuration and is stressed so that it remains in intimate contact with the hub rim, even after substantial use. To manufacture the roller, the tire, which is molded in a separate operation, is placed in a mold cavity that is configured to seal against the side walls of the tire and yet permit the tire to expand radially, maintaining the seals along the tire side walls throughout the expansion. Once the mold is closed, a polymer in a plastic state is injected into the region of the cavity surrounded by the tire, there being enough polymer forced into the mold to expand the tire radially against an outer surface of the cavity.

Abstract: A compound tennis racquet is formed of extruded metal tubing and injection molded plastic. The extruded tubing has a compound cross section with a recessed central portion. The metal tubing is formed into a circular loop to define the main head portion of the tennis racquet. The loop has two depending legs extending from the head to form a portion of the handle of the tennis racquet. A plastic material is injection molded around the major portion of the extruded metal tubing to encompass the handle portion and to encompass approximately to a third to one half the racquet head. The molded plastic is continuous in the recessed center portion of the tubing to form a continuous loop around the interior of the head area of the racquet. Holes are provided in the plastic portion for the tennis racquet strings. A hollow molded plastic grip extends beyond the extremities of the depending legs of the extruded metal handle portion.