Abstract: A curing rim for a vehicle tire is shown. A flanged first sleeve (13) is adapted to seal the bottom bead of a large tubeless tire (10). A flanged sealing sleeve (14), having a cylindrical inner surface (24) with an O-ring seal (26) carried thereby, is adapted to seal the opposite bead of the tire. A cylindrical locking sleeve (15) is telescoped through the sealing sleeve (14) and is sealingly engaged at its bottom end to the first sleeve (13). The upper end of locking sleeve (15) is provided with a stop flange (31). The sealing sleeve (14) maintains an air-tight seal with the bead of the tire and also seals against the locking sleeve (15) as the tire is inflated and moves upwardly along the locking sleeve (15) until blocked by the stop flange (31).

Abstract: A curing rim comprising two abutting, coaxial, relatively rotatable sleeves (11, 12), one having radially inward bosses (20) and the other having axially projecting hooks (21) which can rotate into engagement with the bosses to prevent axial displacement between the sleeves. A latch hook (30) is pivoted to one of the hooks and resiliently engages the apposed boss to prevent rotation between the sleeves. A push bar (24) is passed through a pair of loops (22 and 23) and has a projection (37) which can engage the latch hook to disable its function.

Abstract: The tire spreading and inspecting machine of the present invention includes a frame for supporting a tire in an inspection position. Drive rollers are provided on the frame for rotating the tire about its axis and specially designed spread arms are arranged for engaging the beads of the tire and spreading them apart to permit inspection of the tire carcass. An offset in the spreading arms prevents the rollers from jumping out of the tire as the tire is rotated. Sidewall support rollers are also provided on the frame for contacting the sidewalls of the rotating tire to prevent the tire from collapsing before sufficient spread is achieved. This feature is particularly important when the machine is used for inspecting radial tires whose characteristics make inspection on conventional equipment impractical. Finally, a tire lift attached to the frame includes a lock and roller for applying pressure to the tire to prevent it from coming off the rollers during rotation.