Abstract: A method and an apparatus for making vehicle tires comprising filling a pair of discrete annular tire sidewall molds with uncured sidewall compound bringing the sidewall molds into contact, one on either side of a preshaped green tire carcass, positioning the assembly of sidewall molds and tire carcass in a tire curing mold, curing the tire and removing it from the curing mold and the sidewall mold.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for building a tire comprising fitting a patterned cavity of a tread mould with unvulcanized tread composition, shaping the radially inner surface of the tread to a first profile to accommodate a tread reinforcement breaker, consolidating the assembly and shaping its radially inner surface to a second profile, fitting a tire carcass into the second profile, completing the tire assembly, vulcanizing the assembly in the tread mould and removing it from the mould. The method includes various means for fitting the components for consolidating them and for forming the required profiles for subsequent components.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire (T) having bead portions reinforced by a respective bead core (18) (19) and a bead reinforcing ply (15) (16). The reinforcing plies have cords (21) therein that are substantially parallel to each other and are arranged so that the cords (21) in one reinforcing ply (15) are substantially parallel to the cords (21) in the other ply (16). A direction mark (23) is located on an external surface of the tire to show the direction of the reinforcing cords (21) in relation to the rotational direction of the tire. When such tires are mounted on the axle unit they may be arranged so that the direction marks are pointed all in the same rotational direction.

Abstract: A method for consolidating an annular ring of uncured elastomeric material in a tread ring mould comprising a set of rigid segments in sliding end-to-end relationship to form a consolidation ring having a first small diameter for insertion of the segments into the elastomeric material in the tread mould and a second larger diameter at which the segments form a smooth, continuous consolidating surface, mechanical means for moving the segments from the first diameter substantially to the second diameter and a fluid pressure inflatable bag means which may be inflated behind the segments to apply consolidation force at the second diameter.

Abstract: A moulding apparatus and a method of moulding for components of unvulcanized elastomeric material which forms a spew free component and provides for handling the component for subsequent use. The apparatus as shown in the Figures comprises a first mould member having a mould cavity for part of the component and a feed port for material and a second complementary mould member which includes a detachable component carrying insert. The two mould members and are relatively movable to provide two different volumes for the mould cavity, the change to the smaller volume being used to return some material through the feed port and to complete moulding of the component.

Abstract: An apparatus for consolidating an annular ring of uncured elastomeric material in a tread ring mould comprising a set of rigid segments in sliding end-to-end relationship to form a consolidation ring having a first small diameter for insertion of the segments into the elastomeric material in the tread mould and a second larger diameter at which the segments form a smooth, continuous consolidating surface, mechanical means for moving the segments from the first diameter substantially to the second diameter and a fluid pressure inflatable bag means which may be inflated behind the segments to apply consolidation force at the second diameter.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for adhesively applying cover pieces to a resilient tennis ball core. In one embodiment the exterior of the core is subjected to vacuum to expand the core while the covers, positioned in a flat orientation, are applied and adhesively secured with the vacuum then released. In another embodiment the cover pieces are cut undersize and longitudinally stretched immediately prior to their adhesive application.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for adhesively applying cover pieces to a resilient tennis ball core. In one embodiment the exterior of the core is subjected to vacuum to expand the core while the covers, positioned in a flat orientation, are applied and adhesively secured with the vacuum then released. In another embodiment the cover pieces are cut undersize and longitudinally stretched immediately prior to their adhesive application.