Abstract: An assembly for manufacturing vehicle tires with light-reflective members has one or more plug inserts positionable inside a tire mold before vulcanization of the tire. The plug inserts each have a cutout in the back thereof corresponding to the portion of the tread design where reflective members are to be positioned. An elongated reflective member is placed in each of the plug inserts. When a vehicle tire is placed in the tire mold and treated under pressure, the tire expands conforming to the tire mold, while fusing the light reflective member into the tire body.

Abstract: An expandable tire hub apparatus having a hub member, a plurality of shoe members radially expandable from the hub member and a plurality of piston members interconnecting the hub member to each of the shoe members, the piston members responsive to fluid pressure on them, and including guide members interconnecting the shoe assemblies and the hub members for maintaining equal retraction and expansion of the hub members during the operation of the apparatus. The apparatus also includes a flexible belt member positioned around the circumference of each of the shoe assemblies sealingly engaging the bead of the tire when the shoe assemblies are in the expanded position. There is further provided a manner for injecting air into the interior of the tire while the tire is mounted on the expanded shoe assemblies.

Abstract: A method of cutting grooves and whitewalling vehicle tires in a series of functional steps, employing an apparatus which comprises a tire buffing assembly swively mounted upon an arm assembly allowing adjustment of the buffing assembly. There is further provided speed control means for controlling the variable speed of the drive means for rotating a reversible wheel drive member for rotating the tire during the buffing steps. The buffing assembly would have a plurality of buffing blades depending on the size of the strip to be buffed, and would be electrically driven. There is further provided means for maneuvering the apparatus via a handle and wheel members and a seating means for affording comfort during the operation of the apparatus.