Abstract: A method of molding a green tire having a first and second bead area is described herein, wherein the method includes the steps of: inserting a tire clamping device inside a tire bladder and then inserting the tire clamping device and the bladder into the green tire, aligning the outer surfaces of the tire clamping device into engagement with a respective bead area of the tire so that each tire bead area is clamped between a respective upper and a lower mold ring and the tire clamping device during cure. A tire clamping device includes an inner portion, and a plurality of segments connected to the inner portion, wherein the tire clamping device has a closed position wherein the plurality of segments together forms a first and second ring for engagement with the bead areas of the tire so clamp the bead areas between the clamping device and the mold rings during cure.

Abstract: A method of molding a green tire having a first and second bead area is described herein, wherein the method includes the steps of: inserting a tire clamping device inside a tire bladder and then inserting the tire clamping device and the bladder into the green tire, aligning the outer surfaces of the tire clamping device into engagement with a respective bead area of the tire so that each tire bead area is clamped between a respective upper and a lower mold ring and the tire clamping device during cure. A tire clamping device includes an inner portion, and a plurality of segments connected to the inner portion, wherein the tire clamping device has a closed position wherein the plurality of segments together forms a first and second ring for engagement with the bead areas of the tire so clamp the bead areas between the clamping device and the mold rings during cure.

Abstract: A method of building a tire having no ply turnup is described. The method includes the steps of applying an inner liner and chafer onto a tire building drum; radially expanding the center portion of the drum and applying a first column bead, applying a layer of ply followed by a second column bead, turning up the chafer and then inflating the carcass under low pressure below 150 mbars, applying the tread, applying the sidewall. A method of molding a green tire having a first and second bead area is described herein, wherein the method includes the steps of: inserting a tire clamping device inside a tire bladder and then inserting the tire clamping device and the bladder into the green tire, aligning the outer surfaces of the tire clamping device are in engagement with a respective bead area of the tire so that each tire bead area is clamped between a respective upper and lower mold ring and the tire clamping device during cure.

Abstract: An improved bead setting assembly includes at least one bead setter. The bead setter in turn includes a frame member and magnetic segments pivotally mounted on the frame member at positions about an opening in the frame member. Means are provided to selectively rotate the magnetic segments radially inwardly to a bead retaining position and radially outwardly from the bead retaining position. A plurality of clamp segments are pivotally mounted on the frame member at positions about the frame opening, and each clamp segment in turn includes a clamp arm with a multi-piece construction. Means are provided for selectively rotating the clamp segments radially inwardly into engagement with the bead and radially outwardly from the bead engagement. A rotary encoder is mounted on the frame member and is operatively connected to a selected one of the clamp segments for determining a disposition of the bead.

Abstract: A second stage tire building drum is disclosed. The tire building drum has two hubs with an inner sleeve mounted to a central shaft of the tire building drum and configured for axial movement. At least one of the hubs is configured for free axial movement. Preferably, each hub further include a sliding sleeve mounted on the inner sleeve for unconstrained sliding in the axial direction relative to the inner sleeve. Preferably, each hub has a bead receiving mechanism mounted on the sliding sleeve and comprised of one or more segments that are radially expandable. Preferably, each segment has a pocket with a curved surface for receiving a bead.

Abstract: A method of building a tire on a second stage tire building drum is disclosed. The method employs the steps of mounting a green cylindrically shaped tire carcass onto a tire building drum so that each bead are seated in a respective bead pocket segment, inflating the carcass under low pressure and expanding the carcass into engagement with tread and belt assembly while allowing the one or more of the hubs or one or more of the bead pocket segments to freely slide in the axial direction.

Abstract: An improved bead setting assembly includes at least one bead setter. The bead setter in turn includes a frame member and magnetic segments pivotally mounted on the frame member at positions about an opening in the frame member. Means are provided to selectively rotate the magnetic segments radially inwardly to a bead retaining position and radially outwardly from the bead retaining position. A plurality of clamp segments are pivotally mounted on the frame member at positions about the frame opening, and each clamp segment in turn includes a clamp arm with a multi-piece construction. Means are provided for selectively rotating the clamp segments radially inwardly into engagement with the bead and radially outwardly from the bead engagement. A rotary encoder is mounted on the frame member and is operatively connected to a selected one of the clamp segments for determining a disposition of the bead.

Abstract: An apparatus is used in the manufacture of a pneumatic tire. The apparatus includes a longitudinal axis and a plurality of arcuate segments defining an arc of a cylindrical surface such that the arcuate segments collectively define the cylindrical surface and the arcuate segments are supported for movement radially relative to the longitudinal axis for adjusting the circumference of the cylindrical surface. Each arcuate segment includes at least one of two side sections of each arcuate segment having a row of spaced fingers corresponding in a fitted arrangement with gaps of an adjacent arcuate segment such that, as the circumference is adjusted and the side sections of each segment hingedly move relative to an intermediate section about a corresponding pivot axis, the fingers move into and out of the gaps provided between the fingers of the adjacent arcuate segment. The fingers and gaps both are tapered at a taper angle relative to the circumferential direction of the apparatus.