Abstract: Making a tire mold by spraying molten atomized metal on a model to form a metal shell and then reinforcing the shell with a resin backing to form a mold segment for the tire mold. Modular shoe container assemblies have replaceable backing members for making different size molds and flat plate spacers for providing different thicknesses of the mold segment. In one embodiment a slide block is used for one side of the cavity whereby a sole plate is eliminated.

Abstract: A plastic wheel assembly (10) is described. The wheel (10) comprises a rim (12) and a disk (14). The disk (14) has holes (16) with inserted sleeves (20). The sleeves (20) extend through the disk (14) a sufficient distance to avoid excessive heating of the plastic wheel (10) during normal use.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for buffing a tread is described. The method comprises mounting a tread on an apparatus capable of bufffing the casing engaging surface of said tread, the apparatus buffing the tread such that the grooves are formed on the buffed tread surface. The grooves angularly intercept a tread edge.

Abstract: An annular ring-shaped run flat device is used in tires to permit continued use of the tire even when the tire is operating at low pressure or is completely deflated. This device is comprised of a rigid section and a non-rigid section. The tire, when it collapses, due to a reduction in pressure, comes to rest on the surface of the non-rigid, resilient, impact resistant section. This device is easy to assemble, can be used with conventional multi-piece rims, is light weight, durable and capable of absorbing impact under both inflated and deflated conditions. The device can also be used as a positive and non-positive bead spacer to prevent dismounting of the tire beads when tire pressure drops.