Abstract: A method for applying a plurality of reinforcement belts upon a toroidal tire carcass (50). First and second reinforcement belts (56, 60) are first wrapped around the tire carcass. Then a first belt assembly (68) of a third reinforced belt (69) with elastomeric wedges (72a, 72b) embedded into side edges (70a, 70b) of the third belt is wrapped around the second belt (60) so that the side edges (62a, 62b) of the second belt are spaced from the side edges (70a, 70b) of the third belt. An outer belt (74) and a tread (80) are applied about the third belt, and the tire carcass is ready to be cured in a tire mold.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for a sub forming an elastomeric extrusion into a bead apex filler and for applying the same to an annular bead (120) to form a bead/apex subassembly for use in the construction of a pneumatic tire. The apex filler (100) is formed from a triangular shaped extrusion (8) that is initially wrapped around a rotating mandrel (40) having a diameter of between about 50% to about 75% of the outer diameter of the annular bead to which the filler is attached. A helical former (50, 60) disposed around the mandrel causes the extrusion to move in a helical path as it traverses the mandrel. As the extrusion is removed from the mandrel, the extrusion is sufficiently uncoiled to relieve and compressive or tensile stresses. Then, the partially uncoiled extrusion is wrapped around the outer periphery of the bead to form a bead/apex filler subassembly (118) which is substantially without compressive or tensile stresses when mounted onto the tire being constructed.

Abstract: Forming a tubular tire ply from a flat sheet of wire reinforced material, cutting the ply to length and applying the ply to a drum.