Abstract: A removable resilient shield is maintained proximate the sidewall of a tire for off-the-road vehicles to protect this critical area of the tire from damage due to contact with external objects such as rocks. The shield is secured to the terminal portion of the rim flange. The radially inner portion of the shield is spaced axially of the rim and at least one radially extending passage is provided for removal of debris from between the shield and the sidewall of a tire mounted on the rim.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for building a giant tire and particularly for building one or more endless bands of suitable ply stock and for transferring such bands from the band building means to a carcass building drum after which transfer the remaining construction of the tire can be accomplished conventionally. The apparatus includes a wide, flat, endless belt, the surface of which functions as a splicing table whereon successive panels of ply stock are joined edge-to-edge to form a ply and also as means for transferring the so-formed ply directly into wrapping relation with a band building surface whereon such ply is made endless to form a tire ply band. A bridge spanning the width of the belt, at successive selected angles transverse to the direction of movement of the belt, supports at least one ply stock pay-off means from which successive discrete panels of suitable ply stock are disposed on the surface of the belt.