Abstract: A tire tread and method of application of a tire tread. The tread is not provided with an undertread. At least one transversely extending tread element is interconnected with a pair of tread portions in such a manner as to permit canting of the tread portions relative to the tread element whereby the length of the tread is adjustable to achieve a tread length corresponding to a particular tire circumference to facilitate application of the tread to a tire.

Abstract: A kettle having a chamber sealed from the ambient atmosphere and designed to receive a plurality of tires retreaded with precured treads. Steam and air are supplied to the chamber in such a way that they are thoroughly mixed within the chamber to eliminate any hot or cold spots previously encountered in devices wherein the steam and air are each supplied to the chamber through a single inlet.

Abstract: A method of repairing a small puncture, such as a nail hole in a pneumatic tire, and a patch used in such method. A conventional, plugless-type, circular rubber patch is provided for covering the puncture adjacent the inner peripheral surface of the tire. Unvulcanized rubbery material is disposed in a recess provided adjacent the puncture. The patch is then heated and placed under pressure to collapse the recess and force the unvulcanized rubbery material into the puncture and vulcanize it therein. In one aspect of the invention, a conventional rubber O-ring is utilized to form the recess and restrict movement of the unvulcanized rubbery material into the puncture.

Abstract: A kettle having a chamber sealed from the ambient atmosphere and designed to receive a plurality of tires retreaded with precured treads. Steam and air are supplied to the chamber in such a way that they are thoroughly mixed within the chamber to eliminate any hot or cold spots previously encountered in devices wherein the steam and air are each supplied to the chamber through a single inlet.

Abstract: A "full cap" method of retreading a tire with a previously molded and vulcanized tread in combination with unvulcanized rubber material which is placed adjacent the precured tread in the shoulder regions, or upper sidewall areas of the tire. Metal rings are placed over the unvulcanized rubber material and heated to mold in the unvulcanized material a pattern of grooves and recesses which esthetically blends with the design of the precured tread. Conventional techniques for heating and cementing the precured tread to the tire casing are used in recapping the tire.