Abstract: A method of making a belted tire by first molding and vulcanizing a tire casing which may include carcass plies, tire beads, sidewall and undertread stock. The cured tire casing is mounted on axially movable rings and inflated. The beads of the tire casing are positioned axially so that the tire casing will have substantially the same diameter at the centerplane as the diameter of the finished tire. A narrow, inextensible restrictor band is wrapped centrally around the outer periphery of the tire and adhered thereto by an adhesive. The band is narrow enough not to radically change the operational characteristics of the belt structure, but wide enough to restrict expansion of the portion of the tire casing at the centerplane beyond a desired diameter for receiving the belt structure and tread. The beads are then positioned axially so that the shoulder diameter of the inflated casing is sufficient to provide a surface with the desired contour for receiving the belt plies and tread.

Abstract: A retreaded belted tire and a method and apparatus for use in preparing same. The tire is prepared for retreading by removing a portion of the existing crown area rubber material so as to leave not greater than a predetermined amount of rubber material lying radially outward of the belt structure. New tread rubber material of uniform thickness throughout its length and width is added to the prepared tire and the assembly is cured under heat and pressure. When the newly added tread material is unvulcanized rubber, the assembly is cured in a mold having a crown area profile complementary to that of the prepared tire.

Abstract: A method of retreading a radial tire whose belts are damaged and require removal. A narrow, inextensible band is centrally disposed around the outer periphery of the tire after the worn tread and damaged belts have been removed. The band restricts expansion of the tire to a diameter correlated to the diameter of the tire when newly molded and vulcanized.